Air Force says it will teach video about the first black pilots after DEI review

The US Air Force said on Sunday that it will resume the instruction of trainees using a video about the first black airmen in the US military, known as Tuskgee Airmen, who has passed a review to ensure compliance with President Donald Trump’s ban on diversity , equality and inclusion initiatives.

Trump, who took office on January 20, has banned DEI throughout the US government and the US military. New Defense Minister Pete Hegeth who were taken in oath Friday, has made eliminating DEI from the military to a top priority.

Reuters reported on Saturday that the video about Tuskgee Airmen as well as another about civilian female pilots trained by the US military during World War II, known as “Women Air Force Service Pilots”, or WASPs, was not taught basic training at 1 p.m. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is awaiting a review.

The move was first reported by San Antonio Express-News.

The Air Force said Sunday that both videos will be taught.

“No airmen or guardians will miss this block of instruction due to the audit, but a group of trainees had the training delayed,” said Lieutenant General Brian Robinson, who leads Air Education and Training Command, in a statement.

Tuskgee Airmen included 450 pilots who fought abroad in separate units during World War II. Their success in battle helped to pave the way for President Harry Truman’s decision to desegrate the armed forces in 1948.

DEI programs seek to promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities and other traditionally underrepresented groups. Civil rights defenders claim that such programs, generally supported by Democrats, are needed to counter longtime inequalities and structural racism.

They have been attacked by Conservatives, who say that race and gender-focused initiatives are by nature discriminatory and fail to prioritize profits.