Pete Hegseth & Juneteenth: Controversy Explained
- The Department of Defense seemingly downplayed Juneteenth this year, according to an internal email.
- juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in galveston Bay, Texas,...
- A Pentagon official said the Department of Defense may participate in holiday celebrations, outreach events, and recognition of historical events that support the department's mission, unity, and meritocracy.
The Department of Defense is facing scrutiny after an internal email revealed a request for a less prominent Juneteenth message. Pete HegsethS office appears to have been behind the push for a “passive approach,” sparking significant controversy. This move aligns with the ongoing rollback of diversity, equity, adn inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Pentagon’s public affairs office decided not to publish any Juneteenth related content. This follows the removal of diversity-related content from military websites, including articles about Black, Latino, and women veterans. News Directory 3 provides crucial insights into the shifting landscape. What role does the Department of Defense play in commemorating Juneteenth? Discover what’s next.
Pentagon asked for Low-Key Juneteenth Message
Updated June 20, 2025
The Department of Defense seemingly downplayed Juneteenth this year, according to an internal email. Pete Hegseth‘s office reportedly requested ”a passive approach to Juneteenth messaging,” the email stated. The Pentagon’s public affairs office then said it would not publish content related to the holiday.
juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in galveston Bay, Texas, and announced the freedom of enslaved African Americans in the state. President Joe Biden signed a law in 2021 establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The bill received bipartisan support in Congress.
A Pentagon official said the Department of Defense may participate in holiday celebrations, outreach events, and recognition of historical events that support the department’s mission, unity, and meritocracy.
The request comes amid a broader effort to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense. Hegseth has been a vocal critic of DEI, declaring it “dead” within the department and replacing it with a ”colorblind, gender-neutral, merit-based approach.” He has argued that DEI undermines meritocracy and military readiness.
The department previously banned the use of official resources for heritage month celebrations. Content promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion has also been removed from Pentagon websites, including articles highlighting the achievements of Black, Latino, and women veterans. An article about Jackie Robinson and videos of the Tuskegee Airmen were temporarily removed.
Last year, the Army published an article titled “Juneteenth: celebrating freedom, honoring those who fought for equality.” The article, which has since been removed, called Juneteenth an integral part of Army life and highlighted the Army’s role in the Emancipation Proclamation and ending segregation.
The Army website currently features a press release commemorating the Army’s 250th birthday, Juneteenth, and independence Day. A banner at the top of the page states that some webpages have been taken offline to comply with executive orders and policy from the Office of the Secretary of defense.
What’s next
The Department of Defense says it is indeed working to republish content as soon as possible, while preserving its history.