Grand Forks Air Force Base removes DEI content following Pentagon directive

Grand Forks Air Force Base has removed diversity, equity, and inclusion content from its platforms in compliance with a Trump administration directive. The Pentagon ordered all Defense Department websites to purge DEI materials by March 5. Base spokesperson Lea Greene confirmed they’re archiving affected content dating back to 2021. Removed items include Black History Month celebrations, LGBTQ+ Pride events, and some naturalization ceremony coverage. Also deleted was a 2024 MLK Day essay arguing diversity efforts help counter national security threats. The Associated Press reports tens of thousands of items have been flagged for deletion across Defense Department platforms. The Trump administration has simultaneously moved to eliminate federal DEI programs and has dismissed multiple high-ranking military officials, including the Joint Chiefs chairman, naval operations chief, and judge advocate general (the military’s top legal officer). Additionally, Gen. Jim Slife was recently removed as Air Force vice chief, shortly after his visit to Grand Forks with North Dakota Senators Hoeven and Cramer.