Trump Appointee Called A DEI Hire
Controversy Erupts Over Pete Hegseth’s Appointment
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is stirring up controversy after questioning whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was chosen under the same Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards often applied to other government positions.
His comments come as the Department of Defense faces backlash for removing a webpage dedicated to baseball legend Jackie Robinson’s military service—sparking concerns over historical erasure.
Smith Questions Hegseth’s Qualifications
During his show, Smith acknowledged Hegseth’s military service but raised concerns about the selection process.
“Pete Hegseth is the head of the Defense Department. He has served our country with honor. I am not here to attack him personally, but why is no one questioning whether his appointment is part of DEI?”
Hegseth, a U.S. Army veteran and former Fox News host, was a controversial Cabinet pick under President Donald Trump. His appointment was met with criticism, yet he was confirmed by the Senate despite facing past allegations.
Smith questioned how a media figure transitioned into leading one of the most powerful agencies in the U.S. government, overseeing over 3.5 million military personnel and civilians.
“How do you go from hosting a weekend news show to running the Department of Defense?”
The Double Standard on DEI?
Smith pointed out an apparent racial double standard in discussions surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies.
“Hegseth happens to be white … but no one is questioning whether he got the job because of DEI.”
His remarks highlight growing concerns that DEI standards are disproportionately applied when discussing Black candidates while being overlooked when it comes to white appointees.
Jackie Robinson’s Military Service Page Disappears
The timing of Smith’s comments coincides with public outrage over the Pentagon’s removal of Jackie Robinson’s military history page. Robinson, a trailblazing baseball icon and Army veteran, had his military service recognized on the Department of Defense’s official website—until this week.
When pressed, the Pentagon claimed they were unaware that the webpage had been deleted, stating that they would “look into it.”
Smith dismissed the explanation:
“Are we really supposed to believe that was an accident?”
Trump’s Crackdown on DEI & the Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision
Under President Trump, efforts were made to eliminate DEI-driven hiring policies from the federal government, arguing that such initiatives create division rather than equality.
In 2023, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, marking a huge win for conservatives who believe in a merit-based system over race-based preferences.
However, Smith argued that affirmative action has helped more than just Black Americans, though it is often portrayed otherwise.
What’s Next in the DEI Debate?
As the debate over DEI and fair hiring practices continues, Smith’s comments highlight a broader conversation about accountability, fairness, and government leadership.
The Defense Department’s handling of historical figures like Jackie Robinson, along with ongoing controversies over DEI policies, raises an important question: Are government hiring standards truly fair, or are they selectively applied?
