The U.S. Department of War has issued a stern warning to Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, demanding the organisation comply with President Trump’s executive order to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives or risk losing federal funding.
In a statement posted to X on Monday, 2 February, Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell criticised the group’s progressive direction.
“Scouting America’s leadership has made decisions that run counter to the values of this administration and this Department of War,” he wrote.
“Including an embrace of DEI and other social justice, gender-fluid ideological stances. This is unacceptable.”
A History of Inclusion Sparks Backlash
The Boy Scouts of America — now Scouting America — has undergone major reforms over the past decade in a move toward greater inclusivity.
- In 2013, the organisation began admitting openly gay scouts.
- In 2015, it removed a ban on LGBTQ+ adults serving in leadership roles.
- In 2017, the Scouts began accepting girls as Cub Scouts, and eventually into the flagship Boy Scout program.
- That same year, the organisation also announced it would welcome transgender boys into its previously boys-only programs.
These changes, long praised by civil rights advocates, have led to growing scrutiny from conservative and religious groups — as well as from the current U.S. administration.
Ties with Religious Groups Have Already Strained
In recent years, some major faith-based organisations have severed ties with the Scouts due to their inclusive policies. Notably, the Mormon Church formally cut ties in response to the group’s expanding LGBTQ+ membership and leadership acceptance.
Parnell’s statement reflects a broader trend in U.S. politics where DEI programs are being rolled back across public and private institutions under the Trump administration’s directives.
At present, it remains unclear whether Scouting America will amend its policies or risk losing critical funding support.
