Scouting America Implements Major Policy Changes Following Pentagon Discussions
Scouting America has undergone substantial modifications to its policies and programs after engaging in discussions with the Department of War. On February 27, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon would continue its support for the organization, previously known as the Boy Scouts of America. In a video statement, Hegseth revealed that he had nearly decided to withdraw all Pentagon support due to concerns about the influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The organization has now signed a memorandum of understanding committing to adhere to President Donald Trump’s executive order, which prohibits DEI efforts in both public and private sectors. Hegseth noted that the revisions include the removal of DEI-related terminology from Scouting America’s materials.
Additionally, the organization will eliminate the 'Citizenship in Society' merit badge, which previously required Scouts to acknowledge the advantages of DEI and ethical leadership. This badge will be replaced with a new military service merit badge.
Changes to membership rules are also being implemented. Applications will now only include two gender options: male and female, and the selected gender must correspond with the child's birth certificate. Hegseth expressed that he was seriously contemplating the cessation of support for Scouting America but chose to meet with the current leadership to address significant concerns. Following discussions with Department of War officials, Scouting America agreed to implement essential reforms.
On February 27, Scouting America President and CEO Roger Krone issued a statement expressing pride in continuing to serve military families globally through a strengthened partnership with the Department of War. He elaborated that over the past months, the organization engaged with Department leadership to enhance services for military families while updating programs to comply with Executive Order 14173. Krone emphasized that the organization remained committed to its core values throughout this process. Scouting America rebranded in 2024 and has permitted girls to join Cub Scouts since 2018 and Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts) since 2019, with over 200,000 girls currently enrolled.
This announcement follows remarks made by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell earlier in February. On February 2, he stated on X that Scouting America was a commendable organization that had 'lost its way.' Parnell criticized the leadership's decisions over the past decade for adopting DEI and other 'social justice, gender-fluid ideological stances' that contradict the values of the Trump administration. The Pentagon's ongoing support now depends on the changes Scouting America has agreed to implement, with Hegseth noting that the organization's commitment to eliminating DEI initiatives was crucial for maintaining the partnership.