The Defense Department's intelligence agency has decided to halt observances of several cultural and historical annual events in response to President Donald Trump's ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal workplace. This decision affects 11 annual events, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, Black History Month, and National Hispanic Heritage Month.
A memo from the Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed the pause on Agency Special Emphasis Programs and special observances hosted throughout the year. While Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth were included in the pause, the memo clarified that national holidays would not be affected.
Federal agencies have been grappling with interpreting Trump's executive order ending DEI programs, leading to a broad approach due to a lack of clear guidance from the White House. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the creation of a DEI task force to ensure compliance with the order.
In response to inquiries, the DIA stated that it is working with the Department of Defense to implement all executive orders and administration guidance promptly. The memo also listed Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National American Indian Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Women's Equality Day, and Women's History Month as events affected by the pause.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the White House intends to continue celebrating American history and the contributions of all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed. The changes in holiday observances echo the Air Force's recent elimination of DEI coursework in basic military training, which was quickly reversed after public outcry.
