Hegseth: Scouting America Pledges Support as Organization Drops DEI Commitment
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced conditional support for Scouting America, previously known as the Boy Scouts of America. This follows the organization’s decision to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Changes Following DEI Removal
In a recent social media video, Hegseth expressed concerns about the organization’s direction since 2012. He claimed that the Boy Scouts lost their original values, which resulted in a significant decline in membership—from 10 million in 1970 to fewer than 1 million in 2026.
Executive Order Compliance
Hegseth’s decision to support Scouting America is partly tied to adherence to President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14173, aimed at eliminating illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunities. During discussions with scouting leadership, Scouting America agreed to implement several reforms, clearly outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the War Department.
- No more DEI initiatives.
- Mandatory sex designation based on biological sex for membership applications.
- Discontinuation of the “citizenship in society” merit badge.
Reforms Aimed at Alignment and Support
The MOU specifies that Scouting America will also respect the traditional boundaries regarding privacy in intimate spaces for members and leaders. Additional reforms include:
- Waiving registration fees for children of active-duty military families.
- Introducing a new military service merit badge.
- Establishing a designated liaison to maintain communication between the Pentagon and Scouting America.
Support from the War Department
In return for these changes, the War Department will permit Scouting America to conduct activities on military installations. This support has historically included personnel and logistical resources, especially during events like the national jamboree, which takes place every four years.
Hegseth emphasized that ongoing support depends on Scouting America’s “substantial progress” in implementing the agreed-upon reforms. He expressed hope for the organization to revert to its original mission: developing boys into responsible men.
Future updates on Scouting America’s adherence to the MOU will be provided to the public, as the War Department continues to monitor the situation closely.
