Slotkin Claims Removing Woke DEI Programs from Military Politicizes It

Senator-elect Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) sparked backlash this week by defending the presence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the U.S. military, calling efforts to remove them a “politicizing” move. Her comments came during an appearance on ABC News’ This Week, where she discussed President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense.

Hegseth, a military veteran and outspoken critic of woke policies, has made clear his intent to overhaul the Pentagon’s priorities. His proposal includes a review of military leadership to address the influence of DEI programs, which he believes undermine operational readiness and morale.

When asked if she believed Trump’s administration would follow through with this plan, Slotkin voiced strong opposition. “They are now openly talking about dismissing [generals] like some sort of kangaroo court,” she said, arguing that such actions would destabilize the military and “politicize” an institution central to national security.

Politicizing or Depoliticizing

Critics of Slotkin argue that DEI policies themselves have already politicized the military, diverting focus from core missions like combat readiness and recruitment. Under the Biden administration, the Department of Defense spent millions implementing programs that prioritize identity politics over merit, prompting many to question their impact on military effectiveness.

Key concerns about DEI in the military include:

• Lowered Standards: Reports have suggested that some DEI initiatives may lead to the relaxation of fitness and qualification standards in the name of “equity.”

• Recruitment Issues: Despite Slotkin’s claim that removing DEI programs would not impact recruitment, recent data shows the military is struggling to meet enlistment goals.

• Operational Distraction: Critics argue that focusing on ideological training takes time and resources away from mission-critical preparedness.

A Recruiting Crisis Ignored

The military has faced its most significant recruiting challenges in decades, falling 25% short of its 2022 enlistment goals. While Pentagon officials cite a range of factors, many conservatives point to woke policies as a key deterrent for young Americans considering service. Slotkin dismissed these concerns, implying that DEI policies have no meaningful effect on recruitment numbers.

However, surveys of potential recruits indicate a growing distrust of military leadership due to perceived politicization. According to a 2023 Ronald Reagan Institute poll, trust in the military has plummeted from 70% in 2018 to 48% today a decline mirrored by frustration over cultural shifts within the armed forces.

Restoring the Military’s Core Mission

Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is expected to make dismantling DEI initiatives a priority, alongside refocusing the Pentagon on its constitutional mission of national defense. Hegseth has been vocal about his intention to purge policies that prioritize political correctness over combat readiness.

“Any general that was involved in any of the DEI woke crap has got to go,” Hegseth said during a recent interview. His no-nonsense approach resonates with conservatives who view the military as the last institution that should succumb to ideological experimentation.

Slotkin’s remarks reveal a sharp divide between the Democratic Party’s vision for the military and the incoming Trump administration’s plans to restore merit-based leadership. As the debate continues, the stakes remain high: the strength and stability of the U.S. military itself hang in the balance.

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