The US defense secretary Pete Hegseth’s office reportedly requested a “passive approach to Juneteenth messaging,” as revealed in an exclusive Rolling Stone report citing a Pentagon email. This directive, concerning the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black individuals in Galveston, Texas, was issued by the Pentagon’s office of the chief of public affairs, stating they were not planning to publish web content related to Juneteenth.

This development occurs within the context of former President Donald Trump’s campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which has affected the US military. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has actively enforced Trump’s directive to halt DEI efforts within the Department of Defense.

Hegseth has been vocal in his opposition to DEI policies, asserting that a colorblind, gender-neutral, merit-based approach has been implemented instead, with positive outcomes for the military. The Pentagon’s response to queries emphasized activities promoting camaraderie, unity, and meritocracy.

President Joe Biden’s decision in 2021 made Juneteenth a federal holiday, marking the historic event when enslaved individuals in Galveston learned of their freedom in 1865. Trump’s executive order eliminating DEI in the military and his criticism of social projects and political causes in the armed forces have sparked debate on the role of the military in cultural and social issues.

The ongoing discourse around DEI and its implications for the military’s mission and culture underscores the broader societal conversations on diversity and inclusion in institutions.