Pete Hegseth Sworn In – Minutes Later Everything Changes

Pete Hegseth Sworn In – Minutes Later Everything Changes

Following President Donald Trump’s executive order that banned Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the federal level, the Department of Defense has now joined other agencies in eliminating DEI programs, as well as practices focused on racial hiring and promoting left-leaning ideologies.

Upon assuming office, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promptly issued a directive mandating the closure of all DEI offices within military branches and civilian DoD entities.

“The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at Dept. of Defense,” Hegseth declared in a post on X. “The Pentagon will comply, immediately. No exceptions, name-changes, or delays.” He further warned, “Those who do not comply will no longer work here.”

Hegseth, 44, officially assumed his role on Saturday following a contentious confirmation process that saw several baseless accusations leveled against him.

After three Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), and Mitch McConnell (Kentucky)—opposed his confirmation, Vice President J.D. Vance cast the deciding vote to secure his appointment.

“All praise and glory to God. His will be done, and we’re grateful to be here,” Hegseth said after being sworn in. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, saying, “And as I said in my hearing, it was Jesus and Jenny. I would not be here without you, sweetheart. Thank you so much.” Hegseth also thanked Trump for his steadfast support and for nominating him despite the controversies.

Last week, Charles Ezell, the acting director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), sent a directive to department and agency heads instructing them to close all DEI offices by Wednesday. Employees working in these offices were informed they would be placed on paid leave.

Some federal agencies have reportedly attempted to bypass Trump’s order by rebranding their DEI offices and altering the titles of personnel overseeing these programs. In response, federal employees were asked to report any use of ambiguous or coded language to conceal DEI-related activities.

In related news, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently received a positive update regarding his confirmation prospects.

According to WPRI, Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, a longtime friend of Kennedy, may break with his party to support the nomination. The two share a close bond, dating back to their time as law school roommates.

Kennedy humorously recalls that his failure on his first bar exam was partly due to Whitehouse convincing him to embark on a four-day whitewater rafting trip in West Virginia instead of studying. The Providence Journal highlighted their friendship in 1998, noting, “On many mornings, the two young men, scions of wealthy families with histories of public service, hiked and hunted in the woods around Charlottesville, Va.”

However, when questioned about RFK Jr.’s confirmation, Whitehouse was noncommittal. Speaking to Politico, he said, “I’m not going to reveal how I’m voting [on] any nominee.” He added last month during an interview with Slate, “There’s a bunch of stuff that I want from HHS. So I’m going to hold my fire on that.”

Fox News has reported that Kennedy’s confirmation hearings are set to begin soon. He will appear before two Senate committees—first the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the Department of Health and Human Services, followed by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP).

“The Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary nominee will participate in hearings with two committees, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and the Senate Committee on Finance. The first hearing will occur next week, on Wednesday, in front of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees HHS. The Senate’s chief committee covering issues tied to health and healthcare, the HELP committee, will probe Kennedy the following day, on Thursday,” Fox News stated.

Ultimately, Kennedy’s nomination will hinge on the decision of the Senate Finance Committee.

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