Native Americans Call Out Trump’s Pentagon

The Pentagon is facing backlash after confirming it will not revoke Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. soldiers involved in the 1890 Battle of Wounded Knee, a controversial event many historians now call a massacre.

The decision was finalized by President Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, who rejected calls from activists and Native American leaders to strip the medals.

Native American Leaders Respond With Fury

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) issued a fiery response, condemning the move as a step backward for reconciliation between Native tribes and the U.S. government.

“Honoring war crimes is not patriotic,” said Larry Wright Jr., the group’s executive director. “This decision undermines truth-telling, reconciliation, and the healing our nation still desperately needs.”

The History of Wounded Knee

On December 29, 1890, in South Dakota, U.S. soldiers clashed with the Lakota Sioux, leaving more than 300 men, women, and children dead or wounded.

• The incident marked the end of the Indian Wars, a period in which Native Americans were forced off their ancestral lands and relocated to federal reservations.
• In 1990, Congress passed a resolution expressing its “deep regret” for the tragedy and acknowledging its historic impact.

Hegseth: Soldiers ‘Deserve’ Their Medals

In a video statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Secretary Hegseth made it clear the debate is over:

“These soldiers earned their recognition. This decision is final. Their rightful place in our nation’s history is no longer up for debate.”

Hegseth also blasted former Biden Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who ordered a review of the medals but never made a decision before leaving office.

“Austin was more interested in being politically correct than historically correct,” Hegseth said.

Ending Political Correctness at the Pentagon

Since taking office, Hegseth has rolled back diversity and identity-based initiatives, signaling a sharp break from the Biden-era Pentagon.

• Celebrations like Native American History Month and Black History Month have been ended at the Department of Defense.
• Earlier this year, the Pentagon briefly drew criticism for removing references to the legendary Navajo Code Talkers, World War II heroes whose unbreakable code helped secure victory against the Axis powers.

Hegseth has vowed to focus on military readiness, honoring tradition, and defending American history — not catering to modern political agendas.

Why It Matters for Conservatives

This decision resonates deeply with conservatives who believe in preserving history rather than rewriting it.

• Supporters argue that stripping the medals would set a dangerous precedent, allowing activists to erase America’s military legacy.
• Opponents claim it ignores the pain and suffering experienced by Native Americans and their descendants.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: President Trump’s administration is sending a strong message that America’s warriors will not be disrespected, even when their actions are viewed through the lens of modern-day politics.