Pentagon and Scouting America Reach Deal After Hegseth's Anti-DEI Push

The agreement aims to refocus the organization away from diversity initiatives, but Scouting America says it will maintain existing policies on transgender youth.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:15am

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The Pentagon has reached a deal with Scouting America that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says will maintain their century-old partnership but refocus the organization away from diversity initiatives and other 'woke' policies. However, Scouting America says the agreement does not change existing policies regarding transgender youth, who will continue to be welcome in the program.

Why it matters

The Pentagon's partnership with Scouting America has been a longstanding one, with the military providing logistical support and many Eagle Scouts going on to serve in the armed forces. Hegseth's push to roll back diversity efforts at the organization has raised concerns about the future of this relationship.

The details

Under the deal, Scouting America will discontinue its Citizenship in Society merit badge, introduce a new Military Service merit badge, and waive registration fees for children of military personnel. Hegseth also said the organization will require members to use their 'biological sex at birth and not gender identity,' but Scouting America says this does not change its existing policies welcoming transgender youth.

  • The Pentagon and Scouting America reached the deal on February 28, 2026.
  • In January 2026, Scouting America suggested some of the changes that were later included in the agreement with the Pentagon.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who has been pushing to refocus Scouting America away from diversity initiatives.

Roger Krone

The President and CEO of Scouting America, who says the organization will maintain its existing policies welcoming transgender youth.

Scouting America

Formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, the organization that has reached a deal with the Pentagon to maintain their partnership.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who issued an executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that Scouting America cited in its statement.

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What they’re saying

“We have transgender people in our program and we'll have transgender people in our program going forward.”

— Roger Krone, President and CEO, Scouting America

“Ideally, I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded, a group that develops boys into men. Maybe someday.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

What’s next

The Pentagon will 'vigorously review' the changes Scouting America has made in six months and cease its support of the organization if it fails to comply.

The takeaway

This deal highlights the ongoing tensions between the military's long-standing partnership with Scouting America and the organization's efforts to be more inclusive, particularly around transgender youth. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of this relationship.