Trump to order end to DEI in military, reinstate troops who refused COVID vaccines, Hegseth says

U.S. President Donald Trump will soon sign executive orders removing diversity, equity and inclusion from the military and reinstating thousands of troops who were kicked out for refusing COVID vaccines during the pandemic, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday.

Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and decorated veteran, narrowly secured enough votes to become the next defense secretary, a major victory for Trump after fierce opposition from Democrats and even some Republicans to his controversial nominee.

"There are more executive orders coming," Hegseth told reporters, as he arrived at the Pentagon for his first full day of work.


Hegseth has promised to bring major changes to the Pentagon and he has made eliminating DEI from the military a top priority.