A dramatic pause during Rep. John Larson's House floor speech on Monday sparked immediate attention and medical evaluation.
According to Fox News, the Connecticut Democrat experienced what doctors later determined to be a complex partial seizure while delivering remarks in Congress.
The 76-year-old representative, who has served in the House since 1999, initially stopped speaking for several seconds before making a brief attempt to continue. His speech remained halting and marked by noticeable pauses for approximately 14 seconds during the incident.
Larson's office first attributed the episode to a possible adverse medication reaction, prompting immediate medical attention from the House Attending Physician. Following comprehensive testing, doctors identified the underlying cause as a complex partial seizure.
The congressman's medical history plays a significant role in understanding the incident. Fifteen years ago, Larson underwent heart valve replacement surgery due to a congenital condition affecting his aortic valve. This pre-existing condition can potentially lead to symptoms similar to those displayed during Monday's episode.
Medical professionals have prescribed medication they believe will significantly reduce the likelihood of future episodes. This treatment plan allows Larson to maintain his congressional duties without prolonged interruption.
Rep. Larson, representing Connecticut's First District for more than 25 years, demonstrated remarkable resilience following the incident. Despite the concerning episode on the House floor, he continued his duties throughout Monday.
Larson shared the following statement about his condition:
Yesterday, at around noon, I experienced a medical incident on the House floor, when my speech momentarily paused. Following the incident, I saw the House Attending Physician, Dr. Monahan, who referred me for further evaluation. After a round of tests, it was determined that the cause of the brief pause in my speech was a complex partial seizure.
The congressman's commitment to transparency about his health situation reflects his dedication to public service. His office maintained regular communication with constituents and colleagues throughout the evaluation process.
Dr. Monahan's swift response and thorough evaluation provided crucial insights into Larson's condition. The medical team's decisive action resulted in a clear diagnosis and treatment plan within 24 hours of the incident.
Following medical guidance, Larson plans to resume his regular congressional schedule. His return to the House floor for voting is scheduled for the next day, demonstrating his determination to fulfill his legislative responsibilities.
The support from colleagues, constituents, and medical professionals has been substantial. Larson expressed particular gratitude to Dr. Monahan and his staff for their prompt and professional care during this health episode.
Representative John Larson experienced a complex partial seizure during a House floor speech on Monday, which doctors linked to complications from a previous heart valve condition. The Connecticut Democrat will continue his congressional duties while following a new medication regimen designed to prevent future episodes. His quick return to work and transparent communication about his health status reflect his ongoing commitment to serving his district's constituents.
A former Democratic congresswoman's nomination to lead America's intelligence community advances to its final stage under the Trump administration.
According to Fox News, Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), cleared a crucial procedural vote on Monday evening with 52-46 votes along party lines, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote this week.
The advancement comes after Gabbard secured support from key Republican senators in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence last week. Her nomination, initially considered vulnerable, gained momentum after winning over crucial GOP votes, including Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana.
Republican leadership displayed strong assurance in Gabbard's confirmation prospects by scheduling the vote during Vice President JD Vance's absence. Vance, who is currently representing the United States at various events in Europe, had previously cast a tie-breaking vote to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The procedural victory positions Gabbard for a final confirmation vote on Wednesday. Democrats are expected to utilize the full 30-hour post-cloture debate period rather than expediting the process through a time agreement with Republicans.
The former Democratic congresswoman's path to confirmation appears more favorable than that of Defense Secretary Hegseth. Senator Collins, who opposed Hegseth's confirmation, has already pledged her support for Gabbard.
In the upcoming final vote, Gabbard can only afford to lose three Republican votes without Democratic support to secure confirmation. The math becomes crucial as the Senate prepares for the Wednesday showdown.
The committee advancement last week marked a significant milestone in Gabbard's confirmation journey. Senator Tom Cotton played a pivotal role in shepherding her nomination through the intelligence committee.
The timing of the vote reflects strategic planning by Republican leadership, proceeding despite Vice President Vance's European commitments. This decision underscores their confidence in securing sufficient votes without requiring a tie-breaking intervention.
The DNI confirmation process has emerged as a critical test of bipartisan cooperation in national security appointments. Gabbard's unique position as a former Democratic lawmaker nominated by a Republican president adds complexity to the political dynamics.
The absence of Democratic support in committee voting signals continued partisan division over key national security positions. However, Republican unity behind Gabbard's nomination suggests strong party confidence in her qualifications and ability to lead the intelligence community.
The scheduled Wednesday vote will determine whether Gabbard becomes the next Director of National Intelligence. Her confirmation would place her at the helm of America's intelligence apparatus during Trump's second term.
Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as Director of National Intelligence by President Donald Trump has advanced through crucial procedural hurdles, with a final Senate confirmation vote scheduled for Wednesday. The former Democratic congresswoman secured support from key Republican senators, including Susan Collins and Todd Young, while facing unified Democratic opposition. The outcome of Wednesday's vote will determine whether Gabbard assumes leadership of America's intelligence community, with Republicans demonstrating confidence by proceeding without Vice President Vance present for a potential tie-breaking vote.
President Donald Trump signs a proclamation aboard Air Force One, marking a significant shift in American maritime nomenclature.
According to Fox News, Trump has officially declared February 9 as 'Gulf of America Day' through a proclamation signed while flying over the newly renamed body of water on his way to Super Bowl LIX.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the proclamation through social media platform X, highlighting the historic moment as Air Force One flew over international waters. The timing coincided with Trump's journey to become the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, adding another layer of significance to the day's events.
The proclamation emphasizes the historical significance of the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico to American heritage. Trump's administration frames this renaming as part of their broader initiative to restore American pride in national greatness, viewing it as a fitting tribute to the country's maritime legacy.
Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum has already begun implementing the changes outlined in the executive order. The rename will be reflected in official federal documents and maps, though the extent of its application in educational settings remains unclear.
Eric Trump, the president's son, took to social media to celebrate the proclamation, emphasizing its significance as another achievement in the Make America Great Again agenda.
The Gulf renaming initiative is part of a broader campaign to revise geographical names across America. Trump has expressed intentions to restore Mount Denali's previous name, Mount McKinley, citing President William McKinley's legacy as a businessman and governor.
Trump shared his perspective on the McKinley renaming during a December rally. His comments reflected a broader stance on preserving historical presidential recognition in geographical landmarks.
The president's proclamation aboard Air Force One stated:
Today, I am very honored to recognize February 9, 2025, as the first ever Gulf of America Day. I took this action in part because, as stated in that Order, "[t]he area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.
The renaming has garnered attention from residents along the Gulf Coast states, with various reactions to the change. The White House has emphasized the symbolic importance of the timing, coinciding with Trump's historic Super Bowl attendance.
The implementation process for the name change will involve multiple federal agencies working to update official documentation and geographical references. This systematic approach ensures consistency across government communications and federal materials.
The proclamation represents a significant shift in how this body of water will be referenced in official contexts, though the practical implications for international maritime agreements and regional cooperation remain to be seen.
President Donald Trump's proclamation declaring February 9 as Gulf of America Day represents a significant shift in American geographical naming conventions. The declaration signed aboard Air Force One while en route to Super Bowl LIX, establishes a new designation for the body of water previously known as the Gulf of Mexico. The implementation process will involve updating federal documents and maps while the administration continues its broader initiative of geographical renaming, including potential changes to other landmarks such as Mount Denali.
The Trump administration's initiative to streamline the federal workforce with a buyout program has stirred significant debate across political and labor circles.
A new buyout program offering up to eight months of salary has been introduced, inviting federal employees to resign as part of a larger strategy to reform hiring processes within the government, as the Daily Mail reports, with tens of thousands expressing interest in accepting.
On Tuesday, the administration unveiled a strategic move to reduce the federal workforce. The buyout program was announced via an email dispatched to millions of federal employees, outlining the offer and its potential benefits. According to this initiative, employees who decide to resign will receive a payout equivalent to approximately eight months of salary.
Employees interested in the buyout initially had to make their decision by Feb. 6, though the deadline was extended for a short period. Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy, noted early indications of widespread acceptance of the offer. He highlighted a key philosophy behind the initiative, underlining the importance of having committed individuals in federal roles. Miller stated that federal workers lacking dedication and passion might not be fit for positions carrying significant responsibilities. Moreover, this buyout is part of a broader effort aimed at overhauling federal hiring processes to align more closely with high service standards.
However, the program has not been without its critics. Democratic officials and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union have voiced their concerns. Everett Kelley, AFGE's president, expressed skepticism about the voluntary nature of the buyouts. He described the environment created by recent policies as inhospitable, potentially forcing workers out against their wishes. Between recent anti-worker policies and executive orders, Kelley suggested that the administration's actions were consistently aimed at fostering an unwelcoming atmosphere for federal workers.
The federal government is a massive employer, with more than three million people making up nearly two percent of the civilian workforce. The administration's latest move is seen as a pivotal point in its ongoing effort to reshape this workforce. Critics are particularly concerned that this reshaping process is being conducted with partisan aims, whereby loyalists to President Trump could potentially replace outgoing employees.
As the discourse continues, the buyout program stands as a lightning rod for broader discussions on partisanship in federal employment, particularly during a politically charged era. Critics fear that the restructuring could lead to a significant shift in the character and dynamics of federal workforce accountability and efficiency.
The administration asserts that this approach promotes efficiency and dedication, yet the execution and implications remain controversial. Some experts caution that along with potential short-term cost savings, there might be long-lasting effects on institutional knowledge and operational efficiency.
As widespread resignation takes effect, it remains to be seen how departments will adapt to changes in staff composition, and whether gaps in experience could hinder certain programs or initiatives. The success or failure of this undertaking could set a precedent for future administrations contemplating similar workforce strategies.
The entwined goal with the buyout is to reform hiring processes, ensuring that incoming federal workers are aligned with values of dedication and service excellence. Such reform could include stringent selection processes or revised criteria for qualifying candidates.
Miller pointed out that this comprehensive effort will ultimately ensure those in federal positions hold their responsibilities with genuine commitment and passion—a shift he argues is necessary for the effective governance of programs with significant impacts on the American public.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum continue to weigh in, while the public evaluates the broader implications of the program for federal services. As the dialogue progresses, both supporters and critics are keen to see how the changes unfold, and whether the envisioned improvements meet expectations.
With a substantial portion of federal employees having already accepted the buyout offer, attention will soon turn to the Department's implementation of its revised hiring plans, setting the stage for potential shifts in federal employment practice.
A tragic collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals near Washington's Reagan National Airport earlier this month.
The incident, highlighting a critical lapse in safety protocols, has prompted a national review of air traffic regulations and yielded starting revelations, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster in over two decades, as the New York Post reports.
Last week, the Black Hawk helicopter collided with the regional jet, sending both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. Investigations revealed that the helicopter's automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) system was disabled at the time, playing a significant role in the catastrophic event.
The ADS-B system, pivotal for modern aircraft tracking, provides more precise location data compared to traditional radar. Its absence on the helicopter during its flight raises serious concerns about the protocols followed. The helicopter was also flying 100 feet above the permitted altitude for its designated route, contributing to the unidentified threat to other flights in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now scrutinizing airports with high volumes of both helicopter and airplane traffic, seeking answers in the wake of this avoidable tragedy. Restoring trust in air safety measures has become imperative as the investigation unfolds.
Following the collision, stringent flight restrictions have been introduced around Reagan National Airport. These measures limit helicopter activity until the end of February to prevent similar tragedies. The FAA's review may result in more permanent changes to air traffic management protocols.
The helicopter pilot was reported to be wearing night vision goggles during the mission, which occurred at 9 p.m. This detail has raised questions about the necessity of such equipment so early in the evening. In the aftermath, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on the unusual timing, expressing concerns about its appropriateness.
A significant aspect of the investigation focuses on the FAA's 2018 policy that allows military flights to operate with their ADS-B systems turned off. Sen. Maria Cantwell has pointed out this policy as a potential factor contributing to the lack of transparency in airspace.
Critics argue that while specific military missions might warrant ADS-B discretion, a training mission, such as this one, does not fall into this category. "There was no compelling national security reason" for the ADS-B to remain inactive, emphasized Sen. Ted Cruz during discussions about the potential negligence involved.
Public outcry has called for stringent changes, and the FAA advisory already limits civilian planes from shared airspace with certain helicopter operations. These restrictions mirror efforts to distance civil aviation from governmental and emergency response flights to minimize collision risks.
As legal and procedural investigations continue, the emphasis is on strengthening air traffic regulations and ensuring that tragedies like this do not recur. This crash has undoubtedly acted as a catalyst for overdue scrutiny of airspace management policies.
The focus is now on preventing a future crisis of this magnitude. The FAA's examinations cover a wide spectrum of contributing factors, from altitude compliance to technological readiness in aviation. Rebuilding public trust will depend significantly on the depth and transparency of these ongoing investigations.
Experts anticipate that this incident will lead to comprehensive reforms in how military training flights are conducted, particularly around densely populated and highly trafficked airspaces like Washington D.C.'s. With tragedy serving as a painful reminder, the necessity of robust and enforceable air safety systems has never been clearer.
President Donald Trump's recent executive order prompts significant changes in collegiate sports regulations.
According to Fox News, the NCAA has officially banned biological males from participating in women's sports, marking a decisive shift in transgender athlete policies.
The policy change, announced on Thursday afternoon, represents a complete reversal of the NCAA's previous stance established in 2010. Under the new regulations, while transgender women are prohibited from competing in women's sports, biological females retain their eligibility to participate in men's teams.
NCAA President Charlie Baker responded to Trump's executive order with a statement emphasizing the need for consistent national standards. Baker acknowledged the organization's responsibility to its vast network of member institutions and their student-athletes across all 50 states.
The NCAA president previously discussed transgender athlete concerns during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in December. During this session, Baker defended the organization's previous policies and addressed questions about facility accommodations for female athletes.
The implementation of this new policy follows multiple legal challenges against the NCAA and its member institutions. These cases highlight the growing tensions surrounding transgender participation in women's sports.
Several high-profile cases have influenced the NCAA's decision-making process. Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines leads a lawsuit stemming from her experiences competing against transgender athlete Lia Thomas at the 2022 national championships.
Three of Thomas's former University of Pennsylvania teammates have also filed a separate lawsuit. Their legal action focuses on their experiences sharing team facilities and alleged institutional responses to their concerns.
The Department of Education has launched investigations into potential Title IX violations at multiple institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, San Jose State University, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Recent polling data reveals widespread support for sex-based athletic categories. A New York Times/Ipsos survey demonstrated overwhelming public consensus on this issue across political affiliations.
Baker released the following statement addressing the executive order:
The NCAA is an organization made up of 1,100 colleges and universities in all 50 states that collectively enroll more than 530,000 student-athletes. We strongly believe that clear, consistent and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today's student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. To that end, President Trump's order provides a clear, national standard.
The survey's findings indicate that 79% of Americans oppose allowing biological males who identify as women to compete in women's sports. Notably, this position receives support from 67% of Democratic voters or those leaning Democratic.
The NCAA's policy change represents a significant shift in collegiate sports governance, directly responding to President Trump's "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order signed on National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This development affects over 530,000 student-athletes across 1,100 colleges and universities nationwide. The organization's leadership has committed to implementing these changes while promising to maintain welcoming environments for all student-athletes, marking a new chapter in the ongoing debate over transgender participation in collegiate athletics.
Federal agents launch a massive operation to apprehend members of a notorious criminal organization in Colorado.
According to Fox News, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spearheaded extensive raids across Denver and Aurora, Colorado, targeting over 100 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, with support from multiple federal law enforcement agencies.
The operation involved coordinated efforts from the FBI, DEA, CBP, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. The raids focused on several locations throughout the Denver metropolitan area, including the Cedar Run Apartments on South Oneida Street, where authorities have reported three fentanyl-related deaths in the past month.
The DEA Rocky Mountain Division confirmed their participation by releasing footage of agents executing search warrants early morning. The video showed tactical teams deploying smoke devices during the operation. Multiple federal agents, heavily armed and in tactical gear, conducted thorough searches of targeted locations throughout the metro area.
Law enforcement officials demonstrated an unprecedented level of coordination in this operation. The raid specifically targeted members of Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang that has established a presence in the Denver area. ERO Denver emphasized the significance of the operation through their social media channels, highlighting the immediate threat these criminal elements pose to public safety.
The Cedar Run Apartments raid revealed disturbing evidence of drug-related activities. Agents discovered a memorial message written on one of the walls, reading "In loving memory of those lost in drug land," which the DEA documented and shared as evidence of the location's connection to narcotics trafficking.
A long-time resident of Cedar Run Apartments shared her experience with the raids. According to The Denver Post, the resident, who has lived in the complex for 14 years, described her encounter with law enforcement. A Cedar Run Apartments resident stated:
It's insulting and infuriating because I would never snitch on my neighbors. They have every right to be here. And I would never want to put anyone through that sort of stress. They just don't deserve that.
The enforcement operation sparked discussions about the impact on local communities. ERO Denver defended their actions through social media, emphasizing the necessity of removing public safety threats. They addressed concerns about sanctuary policies, suggesting these policies enable criminal activities within immigrant communities.
The operation represents a significant escalation in federal efforts to combat organized crime in Colorado. Law enforcement agencies demonstrated their commitment to disrupting criminal networks operating within immigrant communities while maintaining a focus on public safety concerns.
The coordinated raid involved extensive planning and resources from multiple federal agencies. The operation's scale suggests authorities have gathered substantial intelligence about Tren de Aragua's activities in the Denver metropolitan area, leading to this large-scale enforcement action.
ERO Denver explained their position on social media, saying:
Time and again, criminal aliens prey on their own communities with sanctuary policies, knowing they're free to commit crimes without repercussion.
ICE led a massive operation targeting over 100 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Denver and Aurora, Colorado, with support from multiple federal agencies,s including the FBI, DEA, CBP, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. The raids focused particularly on locations linked to drug trafficking, including the Cedar Run Apartments where three recent fentanyl-related deaths occurred.
The operation represents a significant step in combating organized crime in the Denver metro area, though the total number of arrests remains undisclosed. Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation while emphasizing their commitment to removing public safety threats, particularly those connected to drug trafficking and organized crime within immigrant communities.
Trump nominee Doug Collins secures tenth cabinet spot.
According to Breitbart, former Georgia Representative Doug Collins received overwhelming Senate confirmation as Veterans Affairs Secretary with a 77-23 vote on Tuesday afternoon.
Collins, who served in Congress from 2013 to 2021 and chaired the House Judiciary Committee, gained strong bipartisan support, with all 53 Republicans and 24 Democrats voting in his favor.
The Iraq War veteran and current Air Force Reserve Command chaplain steps into his role as President Trump's tenth confirmed Cabinet member.
President Trump's November nomination highlighted Collins' military service and commitment to supporting active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The former congressman brings firsthand experience as both a veteran and military chaplain to his new position overseeing veterans' affairs.
The department Collins inherits faces significant challenges, including persistent criticism over employee morale and service quality. Recent investigations have uncovered troubling incidents at VA facilities nationwide, including reports of widespread sexual misconduct at a Tennessee veterans' hospital.
Veterans and their families have repeatedly voiced concerns about the agency's effectiveness in delivering essential services. The mounting problems have led to Collins publicly describing the VA as a broken system that negatively impacts veterans.
Trump emphasized Collins' qualifications when announcing the nomination, stating:
Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, and fought for our Country in the Iraq War. We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need.
The comprehensive Senate support signals strong bipartisan confidence in Collins' ability to implement needed reforms. His military background and previous congressional leadership experience position him to understand both the challenges veterans face and the legislative process required for meaningful change.
The new secretary has been vocal about the VA's shortcomings, expressing his perspective in stark terms: "Our veterans pay the price for this broken system."
Doug Collins, former Georgia Representative and Iraq War veteran, secured his position as Veterans Affairs Secretary through strong bipartisan Senate support, marking President Trump's tenth confirmed Cabinet appointment.
The new secretary faces the immediate challenge of reforming a department plagued by reports of misconduct and systemic failures in serving veterans and their families.
His military background and congressional experience will be tested as he works to implement changes in the extensive VA bureaucracy while addressing critical issues affecting the veteran community.
President Donald Trump gathered with powerful business figures and cabinet members in the Oval Office for a groundbreaking announcement.
According to the New York Post, Trump signed an executive order Monday establishing the United States' first-ever sovereign wealth fund, with Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok potentially becoming its inaugural acquisition.
The creation of this government-operated investment fund marks a significant shift in U.S. economic policy, positioning America to compete with other nations that have successfully operated similar funds. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will spearhead the initiative, which aims to monetize government assets and create wealth for American citizens.
The new U.S. sovereign wealth fund will enter an arena dominated by established players like Norway's Government Pension Global Fund, which currently holds $1.7 trillion in assets. China, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait also maintain trillion-dollar sovereign wealth funds, setting a high bar for the American initiative.
Trump's administration has not specified the exact funding mechanism for the endowment, though the president previously suggested using tariff proceeds. The fund's structure will incorporate both liquid assets and strategic investments in American companies doing business with the government.
During the signing ceremony, Trump expressed confidence in the fund's potential growth, speaking from the Oval Office, where News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch and Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison were present as witnesses.
The potential acquisition of TikTok, which boasts approximately 170 million U.S. users, could provide an early opportunity for the fund. This possibility arose following Trump's Friday announcement of a 10% tariff aimed at addressing fentanyl exports from China.
Trump shared his vision for the fund's future, stating:
Other countries have sovereign wealth funds, and they're much smaller countries, and they're not the United States. As an example, TikTok, we're going to be doing something perhaps … and we might put that in the sovereign wealth fund, whatever we make, or if we do a partnership with very wealthy people — a lot of options, but we could put that as an example in the fund.
Treasury Secretary Bessent outlined the implementation timeline and strategy:
We're going to stand this thing up in the next 12 months. We are going to monetize the asset side of the US balance sheet for the American people. We are going to put the assets to work.
The fund's investment strategy will encompass various sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, and medical research. Commerce Secretary Lutnick emphasized leveraging government purchasing power to generate equity positions in companies doing business with federal agencies.
The administration plans to use the fund to invest in highways, airports, and manufacturing hubs. This approach aims to create long-term value while maintaining strategic control over critical assets and industries.
The initiative represents a departure from traditional government investment approaches, potentially creating new opportunities for public-private partnerships and strategic acquisitions.
Trump's executive order establishes America's first sovereign wealth fund, marking a significant departure from traditional U.S. economic policy. The fund will be implemented over the next 12 months under the guidance of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The initiative positions the United States to compete with established global sovereign wealth funds while potentially acquiring strategic assets like TikTok. The fund's success will depend on its ability to effectively monetize government assets and create sustainable wealth for American citizens through investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and research development.
A significant policy shift at the Defense Department brings an end to long-standing diversity celebrations under new Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth's leadership.
According to Politico, the Pentagon has issued guidance prohibiting the use of official resources and work hours for celebrating cultural awareness months, with the directive taking effect just before the start of Black History Month.
The sweeping directive affects multiple cultural observances, including Women's History Month, Pride Month, and National Hispanic Heritage Month. This major policy change represents a departure from the Defense Department's previous approach to diversity recognition and cultural celebrations within its ranks.
The Pentagon's new guidance emphasizes the importance of service members' actions rather than their personal characteristics. Under the directive, military personnel and civilian employees maintain the right to participate in cultural celebrations, but only during non-duty hours and in unofficial capacities. This restriction applies to all identity-based observances previously recognized by the department.
The timing of this announcement has drawn particular attention, coinciding with the beginning of Black History Month on Saturday. The Defense Department's decision affects seven major cultural celebration periods that have been traditionally observed throughout the year. These celebrations have historically provided opportunities for education and recognition of diverse contributions to the military.
In explaining the rationale behind the decision, Hegseth issued the following statement:
We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.
The Pentagon's announcement stands in contrast to President Donald Trump's position on cultural observances. Despite the Defense Department's new policy, Trump issued a proclamation supporting the recognition of Black History Month, demonstrating a divergence in approaches between the White House and the Pentagon.
The president's proclamation specifically encouraged various sectors of American society to engage in Black History Month activities. Trump's statement called for broad participation across different institutional levels, including educational facilities and public offices.
When questioned about the conflicting approaches between government agencies, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: "The president is leading here at the White House."
The Pentagon has maintained silence on the apparent contradiction between their new policy and the president's proclamation, declining to provide additional comment on the matter.
The Defense Department's decision marks a fundamental change in how the military acknowledges and celebrates diversity within its ranks. This new directive from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth eliminates the official recognition of various cultural and identity-based celebrations that have been integral parts of military life.
The policy specifically restricts the use of official resources for celebrating cultural awareness months while maintaining that service members can participate in such events outside of their official duties. This development occurs against the backdrop of contrasting positions from the White House, creating a complex situation regarding cultural celebrations in federal institutions.