Arlington National Cemetery Erases Legacy of Black and Female Veterans from Website

Arlington National Cemetery's recent removal of content highlighting black and female military veterans from its website has sparked controversy, as it reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to diminish diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the armed forces. While the cemetery claims to be working on restoring the links, critics express deep concern over this decision.

Arlington National Cemetery has come under fire for stripping away crucial information about black and female veterans from its official website. Reports from military news outlet Task & Purpose reveal that the cemetery has unceremoniously erased notable content, including accounts of service members who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military distinction in the United States.

This action appears to coincide with President Donald Trump's ongoing campaign to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices not just within the military but across the entire federal landscape. The cemetery, founded on the grounds of Robert E. Lee's estate post-Civil War, serves as the final resting place for approximately 400,000 veterans.

On Friday, visitors to the Arlington National Cemetery website noticed missing internal links to pages dedicated to "Notable Graves," where life stories of prominent veterans such as General Colin L. Powell—who was the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—and the groundbreaking Tuskegee Airmen were once featured. Furthermore, information related to Hector Santa Anna, a revered World War II aviator, has also been purged.

The overhaul has made it increasingly difficult for users to locate sections devoted to African American History, Hispanic American History, and Women's History. While details about certain notable women, including former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, still exist, they can only be accessed via direct searches.

Amidst the backlash, a spokesperson for Arlington Cemetery stated that the team is currently focused on restoring the content while pledging their commitment to sharing the rich narratives of military service. They asserted that this decision was made to align with Trump's executive orders and directives from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has advocated for removing DEI efforts within the military framework.

Democratic Representative Adam Smith, who leads the House Armed Services Committee, voiced his disapproval of the content removal. "The whole thing is deeply concerning," Smith remarked, emphasizing that even if there were valid concerns about DEI programs, the military should not be collateral damage in such debates.

Changes enacted by Trump during his ongoing term have significantly transformed military leadership, including the dismissal of General CQ Brown, who was known for his support of diversity within the forces. Hegseth's agenda to eradicate diversity initiatives further raises questions about representation in an institution where over 2 million members serve, including substantial numbers of minorities and women.