The Pentagon has removed thousands of articles about significant topics with historical relevance like the Holocaust, September 11, cancer awareness, sexual assault and suicide prevention from its digital platforms.
An database obtained by CNN claims that over 24,000 articles could be eliminated, with many already deleted. This initiative extends beyond removing images from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) and affects content across more than 1,000 defence department websites.
Following a memo announcing the removal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) content, Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot expressed satisfaction with the swift compliance across departments.
Although, review of removed content through the Internet Archive’s Wayback machine shows that numerous deleted articles have no direct connection to DEI programmes, race theory, gender ideology or identity-based initiatives.
Notable removals include Holocaust-related articles, which now display “DEI” in their URLs. This includes pieces about Holocaust survivor Kitty Saks and Holocaust Remembrance Week.
The Anti-Defamation League’s CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, expressed concern about the removal of Holocaust-related content, emphasising its importance in education and combating antisemitism.
Additional removed content includes articles about September 11 remembrance, cancer awareness, sexual assault prevention, and suicide prevention resources. The purge also affects thousands of articles about military contributions by women, LGBTQ individuals, people of colour, and historical figures.
The content removal process, largely automated through DoD’s public web administrators, has caused significant unintended consequences. Defence officials acknowledge the need for a more thorough review process involving human oversight to assess deleted content for potential republication.
Trump’s DEI crackdown
Just days after signing an executive order on first day of second term as President, Trump directed federal agencies to terminate employees working in diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) programs within 60 days, marking a significant shift in federal policy. The directive follows an earlier move placing DEI staff on paid leave and requiring agency heads to submit plans for reducing DEI offices.
A memo from the US Office of Personnel Management specified the closure of DEI, DEIA (including accessibility), and environmental justice positions. During his campaign, Trump criticized DEI initiatives as discriminatory against white men and has since taken broader actions to dismantle progressive policies, including ending affirmative action in federal contracting and opposing transgender rights.
