Air Force Removes Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs Videos from Training Amid DEI Review
The U.S. Air Force has removed training courses that included historical videos of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) from its basic military training curriculum. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order to halt diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies. The videos, which highlighted the groundbreaking contributions of these groups during World War II, were part of a broader review to ensure compliance with the new directive.
The Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators, served in a segregated unit during World War II and became renowned for their combat success, earning 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Presidential Unit Citations. Their achievements played a pivotal role in the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military. Similarly, the WASPs, a group of civilian female pilots, ferried military aircraft, towed targets for gunnery practice, and trained male pilots, freeing up male aviators for combat missions.
The Air Force clarified that the removal of the videos was not targeted at the historical content itself but was part of a broader suspension of DEI-related materials. The service stated it is conducting a review to ensure alignment with the executive order and national security objectives. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, veterans, and advocacy groups, who argue that the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs are integral to American military history and should not be erased.
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) called the move “an outrageous betrayal of our values as Americans,” urging the Air Force to reverse its decision. Tuskegee Airmen Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of the airmen, also condemned the action, emphasizing that their story is not about DEI but about American history and valor.
The Air Force has not provided a timeline for when the review will be completed or whether the videos will be reinstated. Meanwhile, the controversy underscores the ongoing debate over the role of DEI programs in federal agencies and the military, with critics arguing that such initiatives distract from core missions, while supporters contend they are essential for addressing historical inequities and fostering inclusivity.
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