Story perspectives

Defense Secretary Hegseth Erases Minority History, Removes Diverse Leaders

6/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a purge of minority-related military history from Department of Defense (DoD) websites.
The purge deleted 26,000–100,000 pages referencing Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Navajo Code Talkers and contributions.
Hegseth removed Black and women officers, including General Charles Q. Brown and Admiral Lisa Franchetti.
Transgender service members were discharged or forced into retirement while many Afghan allies face deportation despite safety promises.

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Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a purge of minority-related military history from Department of Defense (DoD) websites.
The purge deleted 26,000–100,000 pages referencing Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Navajo Code Talkers and contributions.
Hegseth removed Black and women officers, including General Charles Q. Brown and Admiral Lisa Franchetti.
Transgender service members were discharged or forced into retirement while many Afghan allies face deportation despite safety promises.