Pete Hegseth could bring sweeping change as Defense Secretary — but there are limits
Still female and LGBTQ+ service members and veterans are fearful of the culture Hegseth could promote that would make discrimination and harassment acceptable, said Jackii Wang, a senior legislative analyst for the National Women’s Law Center.
“It’s really scary that he would have the pen,” she said, because he has sweeping power to issue policy.
Wang said she has heard from service members who are looking to leave, including those in roles with specialized training, which hurts military readiness to respond to threats.
She also said she finds it “wild” that the mission of diversity and inclusion would be considered antithetical to the mission of DOD, particularly at a time when it is struggling with recruitment and it should be working to make sure people from all backgrounds feel comfortable signing up.
“If you dismantle those offices where they can find refuge or resources, that’s just so disrespectful,” Wang said.