The U.S. military is considering ending its century-long partnership with Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts, due to concerns about the organization’s shift away from its traditional values. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in draft memos, criticizes the organization for being “genderless” and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, arguing these changes undermine the group’s meritocratic nature and attack “boy-friendly spaces.” The proposed policy includes ceasing logistical and medical support for the National Jamboree and prohibiting Scout troops from meeting on military installations. This move has sparked debate, with potential negative impacts on military recruitment and families, while also facing potential pushback in Congress due to the military’s long-standing support for the organization.
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The US State Department has issued new rules for its annual human rights report that redefine human rights, potentially targeting countries with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. These changes signal a shift in Washington’s approach to global human rights, influenced by the Trump administration’s domestic agenda and are intended to “change the behaviour of governments”. The new instructions also label policies like abortion subsidies, gender-transition surgery for children, and facilitating mass migration as human rights infringements. Critics argue these changes weaponize human rights for ideological purposes and exclude certain groups under US and international law.
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The Trump administration removed the congressionally mandated “Not One More Report” on missing and murdered Native Americans from the Department of Justice website nearly 300 days ago, citing compliance with an executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The report, produced by the Not Invisible Act of 2020, aimed to provide solutions and educate the public on the crisis affecting Indigenous communities. Senators who championed the legislation, like Catherine Cortez Masto, expressed outrage and have reached out to the administration to have the report restored. The report detailed recommendations for alleviating the crisis, and its removal has been criticized as a misclassification of tribal nations and a lack of understanding regarding the issue.
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The Texas Comptroller’s office has paused the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, which aimed to support businesses owned by women, minorities, and disabled veterans seeking state contracts. The office stated the program is undergoing review to ensure it complies with Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This action has led to the removal of program information and a halt to new certifications. Despite the pause, ending the program altogether would require legislative action or a court ruling. The HUB program, established by state law, seeks to create opportunities for smaller, disadvantaged businesses to secure state contracts, though it does not mandate specific quotas.
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Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the Trump administration on the “All the Smoke” podcast, asserting that the “MAGA agenda” is regressing America to a pre-1960s era, citing potential threats to the Voting Rights Act and the rewriting of history. He characterized anti-DEI initiatives as inherently anti-Black and expressed concern over Trump’s strategies to counteract potential electoral losses. Newsom also emphasized that the issue transcends partisan politics, advocating for proactive measures like Proposition 50 to counteract Republican efforts in redistricting.
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The Trump administration is withholding approximately $18 billion in federal funds earmarked for major infrastructure projects in New York City, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) confirmed the pause on the Second Avenue Subway extension and the Hudson Tunnel project while it reviews whether the projects have implemented “race- and sex-based contracting requirements”. The department stated that funding would be held back pending these administrative reviews, which they say are unconstitutional. The federal government attributes these delays to the federal government shutdown, placing blame on Democratic officials and thus causing these delays.
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A recent court settlement mandates the US government to restore numerous webpages focusing on gender identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that were removed from government websites. This order stems from a lawsuit initiated by nine medical organizations and public health nonprofits following a Trump administration executive order directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to remove crucial information. The settlement requires the government to restore the data and cease further deletions of resources, with the Washington State Medical Association expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The HHS, however, maintains its commitment to removing what it considers radical gender and DEI ideology from federal programs.
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L. Nicole Dunn, a prominent former FBI agent with 16 years of service, resigned from the bureau, citing concerns about the agency’s current state. Dunn criticized the FBI’s new leadership, which dismantled the DEI office, eliminated the college degree requirement, and shortened training, claiming these changes jeopardize national security. She also warned that the agency is losing experienced agents while “fast-tracking” less qualified individuals, potentially leading to a crisis. Dunn attributed her forced departure to her race, calling for those in power to address the lowering of standards within the FBI.
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The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration, allowing the National Institutes of Health to cut $783 million in research funding as part of a push to reduce federal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The 5-4 decision, however, blocked the administration’s broader anti-DEI directive from being used for future funding cuts. The ruling allows the administration to proceed with grant cancellations while a lawsuit continues, while plaintiffs argue the decision harms public health. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, criticizing the outcome and the court’s use of emergency appeals.
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After 11 years, Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down amidst declining sales and controversy, with Michael Fiddelke, the current COO, set to take over in 2026. Cornell, who will become executive chairman, previously revitalized Target, but the company has faced a downturn due to strategic missteps, including the retreat of its DEI programs which caused customer backlash. Target’s sales have fallen for three consecutive quarters, and the company has struggled with a shopper slowdown, increased tariffs, and competition from other retailers. Analysts are divided on whether the new leadership can resolve the issues.
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John Q. Hosedrinker