Air Force restores Tuskegee Airmen training following backlash from Pete Hegseth and Katie Britt

The Air Force has resumed a study of the first Black pilots that was temporarily held to ensure compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning DEI from the federal government.
After pushback from lawmakers and even new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defense Force said it had reportedly taken courses to teach 15,000 Black pilots, mechanics and cooks in the World War II Army known as the Tuskegee Airmen “incorrect.”
However, Hegseth wrote via X on Sunday that the course’s removal was “promptly withdrawn.”
Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of the Air Education and Training Command, said in a statement that the Tuskegee Airmen video segment was temporarily closed on Jan. 23 because the part of it that included DEI material was ordered to be removed.
A video of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group of female pilots in World War II, has also been temporarily removed.
From left to right, Tuskegee Airmen pilots Lt. Colonel Washington Ross, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Colonel Charles McGee and Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson stand next to a Tuskegee Army AY-6 Texan fighter jet during a ceremony honoring airmen at Selfridge National Airbase in Harrison Township, Michigan, on June 19, 2012.
“We believe that this revision of the curriculum is fully in line with the guidance given by the DEI executive order,” he said. “No curriculum or content highlighting the honor and valor of the Tuskegee Airmen or Women Air Force Pilots has been removed from Army Basic Training.”
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“No Airmen or Guardians will miss this instructional block due to the update, however, one group of trainees is delayed in training. The updated training, focusing on the legacy and decorated valor of the units and airmen who fought for the country in World War II and beyond will continue on January 27. “
Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff, explained further, “Let me clearly dispel the rumors – while we are currently reviewing all training courses to ensure compliance with management orders, there are no courses or content that highlight the honor and valor of Tuskegee Airmen or Women Air Force Service Pilots removed from basic military training.”

About 14,000 Tuskegee Airmen served in World War II, including hundreds of their now famous pilots. (Tuskegee University Archives)
“From day one, I ordered our Air Force to implement all the directives outlined in the Executive Orders issued by the president promptly and professionally – no arguments, no back-and-forth, no foot-dragging. When policies change, it’s everyone’s responsibility to do so. Diligently and ensure that all remnants Outdated policies are properly removed, and new ones are clearly laid out,” he continued in the statement.
“Despite the negative views expressed in recent reports, our Air Force faithfully executes all the president’s orders. Adherence to the principle includes fully aligning our forces with the direction given to the DEI administration. Concealment and rebranding are not compliance, and I ” have made this clear.
Before the Air Force announced that it would resume training airmen on Monday, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., accused him of “brutal compliance.”
“I have no doubt that Secretary Hegseth will correct and put an end to the brutal follow-up we have seen in recent days. President Trump celebrated and honored the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term,” he said.

Tuskegee Airmen captured in 1945. (Tuskegee University Archives)
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“Amen! We’re done with it, Senator. This won’t stop,” echoed Hegseth.
The WASP was essential in transporting warplanes during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen, an active military unit from 1940 to 1952, were the first soldiers to fly during World War II. This group destroyed more than 100 German planes.
The nation’s military was not desegregated until 1948, under an executive order from then-President Harry Truman.
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Trump is expected to issue a new executive order aimed at ending DEI in the military on Monday, in addition to one that bans transgender soldiers. Another executive order will reinstate service members fired for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine.
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