During his first day at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reversed efforts to cut video of the famed WWII Tuskegee Airmen from Air Force training courses.
The Air Force removed videos on the first Black pilots to fly for the U.S. military in order to comply with the Trump administration's elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in federal departments and agencies.
In a statement, the Air Force "confirmed the courses with those videos had been removed and said it 'will fully execute and implement all directives outlined in the Executive Orders issued by the President, ensuring that they are carried out with utmost professionalism, efficiency and in alignment with national security objectives.'
That announcement sparked nationwide outrage.
ALSO READ: Top GOPer's ‘most immediate’ priority for new committee includes probing a MAGA conspiracy
The Tuskegee Airman were based in Alabama, and that state's Sen. Katie Britt (R) posted her outrage on social media Sunday.
"I have no doubt Secretary Hegseth will correct and get to the bottom of the malicious compliance we’ve seen in recent days," Britt wrote. "President Trump celebrated and honored the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term, promoting legendary aviator Charles McGee to Brigadier General and pinning his stars in the Oval Office.
"In his second term, the Trump Administration will continue to deeply respect and elevate the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy. Their history and their lessons will continue to be taught—because their legacy is one of excellence, of success, and of unquestionable merit. As the Pentagon under @PeteHegseth’s leadership restores its focus to lethality, there is no greater historical example of a highly skilled, valiant fighting force than the Tuskegee Airmen. These role models will continue to inspire the next generation of courageous, selfless American servicemembers."
Hegseth responded to Britt's post, writing, "Amen! We’re all over it Senator. This will not stand." In a second post, Hegseth wrote, "This has been immediately reversed. Thank you @SenKatieBritt."
In a U.S. military that was still segregated, the Tuskegee Airmen became the first Black U.S. military pilots who flew more than 15,000 sorties between May 1943 and June 1945. They were part of the 15th Air Force, and protected American bombers from German fighter planes. Sixty-six of the Black pilots died in battle.
