The US Department of Defense has ordered the suspension of all cultural heritage observances, including Black History Month, Women’s Month, Pride Month, and others, as part of a sweeping directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes within federal agencies.

According to a memo obtained by NBC News, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) announced the immediate cessation of 11 annual observances, including LGBT Pride Month, Juneteenth, Women’s History Month, and Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Officials say the move is in tandem with President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting DEI initiatives across the federal workforce.

The directive came just days before the start of Black History Month (February), raising concerns among employees and advocates. Martin Luther King III, son of the late civil rights leader, took to social media to voice his disapproval, stating, “Now more than ever, I am dedicated to being about my father’s business and I encourage all people of goodwill to be about the business of Peace, Justice, Love, and Equity.”

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) President Derrick Johnson released the following statement condemning President Trump’s Executive Order Rolling Back DEI in the Federal Government:

“It is outrageous that the President is rolling back critical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. DEI programs help ensure that everyone can prosper. It’s clear that President Trump does not value equal opportunity. 

While the Pentagon defends the policy shift as an effort to maintain a mission-focused workplace, some agencies are pushing back. The Library of Congress and the National Archives have declared their intent to continue recognizing Black history, regardless of federal restrictions.

As for the other communities affected by the Trump Administration’s DEI erasure, there have been no retractions or changes to the decision to their ban.

Despite these changes, the Trump administration has indicated that it will continue to recognise Black History Month at the national level.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her first briefing, affirmed the administration’s plan to honour Black History Month.

“This White House certainly still intends to celebrate, and we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed, have made to our great country.  And America is back,” she said.