The Defense Department is in the process of deleting tens of thousands of photos and online posts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, as revealed in a database obtained by The Associated Press. These images encompass a wide range of content, including references to historical figures like a World War II Medal of Honor recipient and the Enola Gay aircraft. The database, which spans all military branches, has flagged over 26,000 images for removal, with potential for a higher count. The purge, instigated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following an executive order from President Donald Trump, primarily targets content highlighting diversity milestones, notably affecting women and minorities. Notable events like Black and Hispanic heritage months are also among the content marked for deletion.

However, the removal process has faced challenges and inconsistencies, with some images flagged erroneously due to specific keywords like “gay.” Notable figures such as the Tuskegee Airmen have also been impacted, though historical context may protect certain content. The removal efforts have stirred confusion and backlash, with some content already taken down while others remain accessible. The directive to remove diversity-focused content has been met with compliance across the Department, emphasizing a shift away from diversity initiatives. As the military navigates this content removal process, concerns about archival compliance and restoration difficulties have surfaced, highlighting the complexity of the task at hand.