Arlington Cemetery Scrubs Notable Black and Female Veterans from Website

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Arlington National Cemetery has removed significant educational materials about the contributions of black and female service members from its website. This decision reflects a broader directive from President Donald Trump to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within the military and federal government.

The removal of content, which included information about the Medal of Honor recipients, has sparked concern among veterans’ advocates and lawmakers. Approximately 400,000 veterans are interred at the cemetery, which was established after the U.S. Civil War on the grounds of General Robert E. Lee’s estate.

According to military news outlet Task & Purpose, the site has notably omitted links to pages showcasing the “Notable Graves” of numerous black, Hispanic, and female veterans. Notable figures, such as Gen. Colin L. Powell, the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and members of the Tuskegee Airmen, are no longer highlighted on the site.

Earlier this year, the Defense Department faced backlash and was forced to reinstate training materials on the Tuskegee Airmen after a public outcry regarding their previous removal. In addition, information on Hector Santa Anna, a WWII bomber pilot celebrated as a war hero, has also been taken down.

Visitors to the cemetery’s website may struggle to find critical sections, as links to pages about African American, Hispanic American, and Women’s History have been eliminated. While details about some prominent women interred there, including former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, are still accessible, they can only be found through direct search queries.

A cemetery spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to restore previously available links and content. “We remain committed to sharing the stories of military service and sacrifice to the nation,” the spokesperson said, according to the Washington Post. The statement also emphasized adherence to President Trump’s orders and guidance from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Rep. Adam Smith, the leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed his discontent with the removal of materials. “The whole thing is deeply concerning,” Smith told the New York Times. “Even if you have concerns about the way DEI was handled in a number of different places, I’ve never seen a problem within the military.”

During his second term, President Trump has instituted major changes in military leadership, including the dismissal of Gen. CQ Brown, a proponent of diversity, from his position. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, has made it a priority to eliminate diversity initiatives, referring specifically to Gen. Brown as “woke.”

According to the latest report from the Defense Department, there are approximately 2.03 million individuals in active military duty or reserves. Of these, 30% identify as minority groups, including Black and Native American, while 18% are Hispanic or Latino. Women make up roughly one-fifth of the military personnel.