The Pentagon has directed all military commands to pull and review books related to diversity, anti-racism, and gender issues from their libraries by May 21, according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press. The move marks the most expansive action to date under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s campaign to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and materials from the U.S. military.
The memo, signed by Timothy Dill, the acting undersecretary for personnel, states that books “promoting divisive concepts and gender ideology” are “incompatible with the Department’s core mission.” Materials identified using a list of keywords — including “affirmative action,” “critical race theory,” “transgender,” and “white privilege” — must be sequestered pending further review.
It is unclear whether the books will be archived, destroyed, or permanently removed.
The Naval Academy recently removed nearly 400 titles, including Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, as well as books on the Holocaust, civil rights, feminism, and African American military history. The Army and Air Force were also instructed last month to conduct similar reviews.
A temporary Academic Libraries Committee will guide the process and evaluate which books are inconsistent with the military’s redefined mission under the Trump administration.
Critics argue the move represents a political purge of educational materials, particularly those addressing historical injustices or LGBTQ+ issues. The Pentagon has not said whether it plans to make the final book list public.
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