In a shocking move, Arlington National Cemetery has stripped its website of extensive content dedicated to the histories of black and female veterans. This includes information about war heroes such as Gen. Colin Powell and members of the Tuskegee Airmen, known as the first black military airmen. Military news outlet Task & Purpose reported that this deletion appears to be part of a broader initiative by President Donald Trump aimed at revoking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within the military and federal government.
Visitors to the cemetery's website have been confronted with missing pages that previously highlighted the stories of significant figures in military history, including Hector Santa Anna, a World War II bomber pilot lauded for his contributions. Also notably absent are links to sections focusing on African American, Hispanic American, and Women's history. While some information about prominent female figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg remains accessible through direct search, the comprehensive narratives celebrating minority veterans have largely been erased.
In response to the backlash, a cemetery spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to restore lost links and content while adhering to Trump’s directives and guidance from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Representative Adam Smith, a leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed deep concern over these decisions, arguing that such actions should not affect the military establishment where inclusiveness has long been a fundamental value.
The changes come amid a larger shakeup in the military, with Trump dismissing leading figures such as Gen. CQ Brown, an advocate for diversity efforts. The increased scrutiny around the military's demographic composition—where 30% identify as minority groups and around 20% are women—has raised important questions about representation and recognition within the Armed Forces in Trump's new administration.
Visitors to the cemetery's website have been confronted with missing pages that previously highlighted the stories of significant figures in military history, including Hector Santa Anna, a World War II bomber pilot lauded for his contributions. Also notably absent are links to sections focusing on African American, Hispanic American, and Women's history. While some information about prominent female figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg remains accessible through direct search, the comprehensive narratives celebrating minority veterans have largely been erased.
In response to the backlash, a cemetery spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to restore lost links and content while adhering to Trump’s directives and guidance from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Representative Adam Smith, a leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed deep concern over these decisions, arguing that such actions should not affect the military establishment where inclusiveness has long been a fundamental value.
The changes come amid a larger shakeup in the military, with Trump dismissing leading figures such as Gen. CQ Brown, an advocate for diversity efforts. The increased scrutiny around the military's demographic composition—where 30% identify as minority groups and around 20% are women—has raised important questions about representation and recognition within the Armed Forces in Trump's new administration.
