In a significant and controversial move, Arlington National Cemetery has removed educational materials and pages dedicated to notable Black, Hispanic, and women veterans from its website. This action aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs throughout federal institutions. According to a report by USA Today, these changes were enacted following President Trump’s executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives, which he labeled as "radical and wasteful."
Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most revered military cemeteries in the United States with over 400,000 graves, is now embroiled in a debate surrounding the erasure of significant portions of its historical narratives. Historian Kevin Levin, who first brought attention to these changes, remarked, "The story of Arlington is essentially a story of diversity, equity, and inclusion. That is exactly what the Trump administration is trying to erase, which means rewriting our history."
Since the executive order signed on January 20, 2025, the cemetery has scrubbed various content relating to the contributions and histories of minority veterans, which are critical for educating visitors. Various pages focusing on prominent Black service members, including guided tours spotlighting the Tuskegee Airmen and the Puerto Rican Borinqueneers regiment, have been deleted. While some materials are reportedly being restored, the details about which pages will return and when remain unclear.
As part of this initiative, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated, "To do this, we must reward merit, outstanding achievements, and hard work, not enforce ideology." The intent to refocus attention purely on service without an emphasis on diversity and inclusion raises concerns across diverse sectors of society, particularly among those who advocate for a comprehensive understanding of military history.
The implications of such sweeping changes resonate beyond just the world of federal policy; they touch lives on a deeply personal level. For many families with deep military legacies, like that of Floydetta McAfee—whose family has a rich history of service in the military—the removal of these narratives feels like a betrayal. McAfee emphasized the struggle as not merely political but one of honor, stating, "For those of us from military families, who have buried our loved ones with a folded flag and the thanks of a grateful nation, this is not just about politics. This is about honor. And, once lost, honor is not easily regained." This sentiment echoes among numerous veterans and their families who feel that their histories are at risk of being boiled down to politically convenient narratives.
The removal of diverse military histories, coupled with the statement from the Arlington National Cemetery that no service members have been permanently removed from the 'Notable Graves' section, insinuates a controlled narrative that lacks transparency. Historians worry that the deletions inhibit future generations from understanding the full scope of service and sacrifice made by Americans of all backgrounds. Such alterations to educational resources hinder accessibility and diminish the complexity and richness of American military history.
As discussions around DEI transpire in the broader context of society, questions of representation and equal acknowledgment arise—questions that Arlington’s actions bring to the forefront. Legislative representatives have voiced their concerns, with Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) stating, "Wasting time on so-called culture wars entirely of the Trump Administration’s own making is a monumental waste of time and resources." These criticisms reflect a growing frustration over the prioritization of ideological conformity over factual representation.
The concern extends to whether American history will be portrayed in a way that acknowledges the integral roles of diverse service members or if it will recede to a narrative that overlooks their contributions. As nearly 20% of today’s service members identify as women, and roughly 34% belong to racial or ethnic minority groups, the challenge lies in ensuring their stories are told. According to historical accounts, Black service members have long been critics of systemic injustice in the military while also serving valiantly, and thus their experiences educate about the military's inherent diversity.
Reflecting on past injustice, Levin recalls, "In 1997, seven Black World War II soldiers finally received the military’s highest award, one that had been denied them for half a century: the Medal of Honor. Not one Black WWII veteran had received the medal—not because they lacked bravery, but because the country lacked justice." This example underlines the need for acknowledgment and rectification of historical oversights, as the nation works to build a more inclusive narrative.
As Arlington National Cemetery grapples with changes and the implications they carry, many advocate for the preservation of diverse histories as critical to understanding the contemporary military landscape. The integration of all service members' experiences remains vital for future recognition and respect, a theme echoed by veterans and historians alike.
