The American Battle Monuments Commission removed two displays from the American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands, that recognized Black troops’ contributions during World War II, a decision that has sparked controversy. The removal, which occurred after President Trump’s executive orders ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, has angered Dutch officials and others. One panel detailed the story of a Black soldier buried at the cemetery, while the other described the racial segregation policy in the U.S. military during the war. Emails obtained through a U.S. Freedom of Information Act request revealed that Trump’s DEI policies directly prompted the commission to remove the panels.
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Elon Musk criticized New York City’s mayor-elect’s appointment of Lillian Bonsignore as the new FDNY commissioner, despite her 31-year tenure and leadership during the pandemic, claiming she was unqualified due to diversity, equity, and inclusion measures. Musk, who has previously voiced strong opposition to DEI, previously endorsed Mamdani’s opponent, and spread misinformation about the election. This controversy comes despite Musk’s past actions, during his time in the federal government, where his team threatened funding for 9/11 firefighter cancer research. Despite Musk’s concerns, Mamdani has expressed support for Bonsignore, highlighting her experience and commitment to the firefighters.
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At a recent conference, Vice President J.D. Vance condemned diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, claiming they discriminate against white men. He stated these policies are designed to harm white men. Vance’s arguments echo those of Jacob Savage, who believes DEI unfairly disadvantages white male millennials. However, the author argues that the true problem lies in capitalism, which inherently creates winners and losers, exacerbating existing inequalities. Ultimately, Vance’s anti-DEI stance is presented as a smokescreen, designed to exploit people’s frustrations with the system for political gain.
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The Interior Department has mandated that national parks review and remove gift shop items related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to maintain “neutral spaces” for all visitors. This directive aligns with broader efforts following executive actions by President Donald Trump targeting DEI programs across the federal government. Parks have until December 19 to review all retail items, a process confirmed by the Interior Department to ensure items inconsistent with the order are removed. The initiative has drawn criticism from groups like the National Parks Conservation Association, who view it as an attempt to “sanitize, soften or erase history.”
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker