The Pentagon has removed or flagged for removal over 24,000 articles from its websites as part of an effort to eliminate content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), according to CNN. The removal follows an order from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to scrub all DEI-related content from Pentagon platforms.
The deleted content extends beyond traditional DEI topics, affecting historical and awareness-related materials. According to CNN, articles about the Holocaust, September 11, cancer awareness, sexual assault, and suicide prevention have either been taken down or are scheduled for removal.
Among the removed articles are multiple pieces on Holocaust remembrance. CNN reports that at least half a dozen deleted articles contained references to the Holocaust, with some now showing “DEI” in their URLs. These include an article about Holocaust survivor Kitty Saks, an article on Holocaust Remembrance Week, and another titled “A Cadet’s Perspective: Holocaust Days of Remembrance.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, expressed concern over the removal of Holocaust-related content. “Honoring the memory of the Holocaust and those who survived is not a matter of political ideology — it is a moral imperative and a vital component of education, remembrance, and the fight against antisemitism,” he told CNN. “The history of the Holocaust, including the liberation of the camps, also reflects the bravery and sacrifice of Allied soldiers — a legacy that should be preserved, not erased.”
Articles commemorating September 11, including service members’ personal reflections, have also been removed. Additionally, CNN reports that articles related to cancer awareness—such as those concerning Breast Cancer Awareness Month and colon cancer awareness—have been deleted. One such article, titled “A healthy lifestyle lowers your risk of getting breast cancer,” authored by an Air Force Surgeon General, was taken down and now has “DEI” in its URL.
The Pentagon’s effort has also impacted articles discussing sexual assault awareness and suicide prevention. According to CNN, deleted articles include “April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” “A call to action – Three ways to combat sexual assault,” and “Suicide Prevention Resources That Can Help.”
The content purge has been conducted largely through an automated script managed by the Defense Media Activity, according to CNN. A Pentagon official stated that this method has caused “a high level of irresponsible collateral damage.” Another official acknowledged that a more thorough review is necessary to determine which materials should be reinstated.
“Because of these series of events, the department recognizes that this needs to be a more deliberative process involving human beings to ensure that a thorough review of content is completed,” the official told CNN. “This may take more time than originally planned.”
The Pentagon has yet to clarify whether specific removed articles will be restored or how it will address concerns over the removal of non-DEI-related content.
