Defense Department pauses diversity and inclusion observances following Trump’s executive order

HOUSTON - The Defense Department has temporarily suspended several diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) observances and initiatives in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump banning such programs in the federal workplace.

What we know:

A memo dated Jan. 28, directed to the Defense Intelligence Agency, outlines that the pause will impact 11 annual observances, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, Juneteenth, Women’s Equality Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month. Additionally, agency resource groups and employee networking groups have been suspended effective immediately and until further notice.

Trump has made the elimination of federal DEI programs a priority since taking office.

Bishop James Dixon II, president of the NAACP’s Houston chapter, criticized the move, calling it an attempt to divide rather than unify the country.

"The reason why programs like DEI existed, even affirmative action, was because we were correcting hundreds of years of discriminatory practices and beliefs," Dixon said. "These programs became necessary because people were being locked out of opportunities—not out of competence, but due to a lack of respect and access."

FOX 26 attempted to get statements from some Texas Republican lawmakers in support of Trump's policies, but have not heard back from them. 

The suspension applies only to federal agencies covered by the directive and does not impact federal holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. 

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What we don't know:

While the comments on the memo were limited, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president still intends to sign a proclamation recognizing Black History Month.