House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stated that attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is equivalent to attacking the very essence of the United States. He shared these remarks during a speech with the National Action Network earlier this week.
“When you go after diversity, equity, and inclusion, you’re going after the United States of America,” Jeffries asserted, defending DEI initiatives that focus on ethnicity and sexual orientation, sometimes at the expense of skills and merit.
He suggested that Democrats hold an “advantage” regarding this topic.
“I’m truly thankful for Reverend Sharpton and the National Action Network for their ongoing partnership,” he said, indicating that he regards the criticisms of DEI as neither legitimate nor serious.
“What we also recognize is that this attack on DEI isn’t genuine. It’s not about credit; it’s clear they’re trying to elevate mediocrity,” he remarked, curiously referencing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
“Here’s the evidence: Look at who’s leading the charge against DEI. The most unqualified Secretary of Defense in American history… This person wouldn’t even be fit to host a two-car funeral,” he added.
The Trump administration addressed DEI initiatives at the outset of his second term. On his first day, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasted Government DEI Programs and Incentives,” labeling the initiatives put forth by the Biden administration as “illegal and immoral discriminatory programs.”
In September, Mr. Hegseth introduced new standards in the midst of what he termed a DEI “war on warriors” initiated by progressive leaders in the Pentagon. He stated, “The primary objective of the reinstated Department of the Army is to engage in combat, prepare for war, and ensure victory without compromise or relentlessness.”
“We owe it to our soldiers to ensure they are guided by the most skilled and qualified combat leaders,” the Army chief stated, alleging that “reckless politicians” had diverted military focus towards “irrelevant matters.”
“This administration has worked diligently since day one to remove the social justice and politically correct ideologies that have permeated our department – to eliminate politics altogether,” Hegseth remarked. “No more Identity Month, no more DEI offices, no more men in dresses. No more climate obsession, no more division, no more distractions, no more gender paranoia. No more rubble.”
