The Department of War announced that the agency will continue supporting Scouting America after the youth group agreed to scrap diversity initiatives and revise membership policies.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the decision in a video posted February 27, saying the department had been “seriously considering” ending its longstanding partnership with Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.
“After 2012, however, the Boy Scouts lost their way, and a once-great organization became gravely wounded… DEI crept in, the name was changed to ‘Scouting America.’ Girls were accepted. The focus on God as the ruler of the universe was watered down to include openness to humanism and Earth-centered pagan religions,” Hegseth said.
The Department of War has officially put Scouting America on notice.
It’s time to get back to basics — and DoW is leading the charge. pic.twitter.com/EnY9mvaFLX
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) February 27, 2026
Hegseth added that the Pentagon will allow scouting activities to continue on military installations and provide logistical support, including for the next national jamboree in July, contingent on “substantial progress” under a newly signed memorandum of understanding.
According to the Pentagon press release, the agreement requires Scouting America to ensure adherence to President Donald J. Trump’s January 21, 2025, Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”
Under the memorandum, Scouting America agreed to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, discontinue its “Citizenship in Society” merit badge, and adopt a policy stating that membership applications will list only “male” and “female” as sex designations.
The memo also states that “biological boys and biological girls will not be permitted to share intimate spaces, including toilets, showers and tents.”
Hegseth said the Pentagon will “vigorously review” the organization’s compliance in six months and could withdraw support if it fails to meet the terms.
The military’s relationship with the Scouts dates back decades, with congressional authorization in 1972 allowing logistical support for the National Jamboree. The event has often been treated as a large-scale logistics training exercise.
The organization, founded in 1910, has undergone significant changes in recent years, including admitting gay youth in 2013, ending a ban on gay adult leaders in 2015, and opening its programs to girls beginning in 2018.
Hegseth said he hopes the changes will mark “a return to core principles,” adding, “Ideally, I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded: a group that develops boys into men.”
Scouting America, based in Irving, Texas, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Dallas Express.
