The Department of Defense announced Friday that it will no longer recognize or fund identity-focused months, instead prioritizing unity and the core mission of the military.

This decision follows President Donald Trump’s directive to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the government. Aligning with that mandate, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the department will shift its focus away from politics and concentrate exclusively on military readiness and lethality.

“Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department’s warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution,” the DoD said Friday afternoon.

“Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months, including National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month,” the department added.

The announcement added that members of the military could likely still attend events recognizing individual groups but not in any official military capacity or while in uniform.

“Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos,” the department said. “We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.”

Earlier this week, the Department of Defense announced another significant change aimed at reversing policies implemented under President Joe Biden.

On Wednesday, the DoD rescinded the Biden-era abortion travel policy, which had covered the costs for women in the military to travel for abortions if they were stationed or located in states with pro-life laws.

The policy was canceled in accordance with an executive order from Trump that aimed to ensure no taxpayer funds were used for abortion. The Biden-era policy had covered the travel, lodging, and food expenses for women seeking an abortion if they were stationed in a state where the procedure was banned.

Additionally, the Pentagon has moved to eliminate any other DEI-focused programs or initiatives that may have been implemented across the military.