What happened
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a speech at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, where he stated that his department has moved away from 'woke' ideologies. Hegseth claimed that the department is no longer focused on diversity and inclusion policies, and instead prioritizes merit-based promotions and unity.
During his address, Hegseth announced that the department has implemented a 'Joint Warfighter Evaluation' aimed at ensuring that promotions are based on merit rather than personal relationships. He also stated that the department is 'colorblind, gender neutral, and merit-based'.
Hegseth's speech comes as part of the Trump administration's efforts to end 'woke ideologies' in the military. The administration has taken several actions, including restructuring the armed forces and revoking diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Additionally, the department has sought to bar transgender individuals from serving in the military, although a federal appeals court ruled against the ban for current transgender service members.
