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Pentagon Reviews Support for Scouting America Amid DEI Debate

2/28/2026

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Pentagon Reviews Scouting

The Pentagon is reviewing its relationship with Scouting America after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and requiring members to identify by biological sex.
If Scouting America does not comply, the Pentagon may withdraw support.
The review coincides with U.S. tensions in the Middle East as action against Iran looms, while Scouting America says it remains committed to its partnership with the military.

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Pentagon Inspector Pauses Review

The Pentagon's inspector general, Platte B. Moring III, paused a proposal to review targeting practices after a February 11 staff meeting.
The paused review would assess whether U.S. Southern Command followed proper procedures in 44 strikes on boats suspected of drug smuggling that killed 150 people.
The pause tests Moring's independence and the inspector general's office.
Moring was nominated by Donald J. Trump and confirmed in December.

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Pentagon Reviews Scouting

The Pentagon is reviewing its relationship with Scouting America after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and requiring members to identify by biological sex.
If Scouting America does not comply, the Pentagon may withdraw support.
The review coincides with U.S. tensions in the Middle East as action against Iran looms, while Scouting America says it remains committed to its partnership with the military.

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