TANTRUMP.org

A factual log of presidential escalations

← Back to entries

Executive order removing DEI programs from military and reinstating troops fired over COVID vaccine refusal

January 27, 2025

3
Level

Multiple Guardrails

Founders' Principles Violated

M
Madison

Checks & balances bypassed. Executive action without Congressional authority.
H
Hamilton

Executive power exceeded constitutional limits.
W
Washington

Personal ambition overriding institutional stability.

Guardrails Violated

Congressional Authority

Congressional authority and oversight bypassed.
Separation of Powers

Separation of powers and constitutional balance between branches violated.
Institutional Oversight

Independent oversight mechanisms and accountability structures undermined.

Trigger

President Trump signed executive orders on January 27, 2025, removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from the U.S. military and reinstating troops who were fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccination, with retroactive pay.

Action Taken

Signed executive orders on January 27, 2025, removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from the U.S. military and reinstating troops who were fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccination, with retroactive pay. The orders were made without proper Congressional authorization or military review. Critics argued the orders undermined military readiness and diversity efforts. The reinstatement of troops fired for vaccine refusal raised concerns about military discipline and public health. The orders affected thousands of military personnel.

In His Own Words

"DEI has no place in our military."

"Troops who refused vaccines were treated unfairly."

"We will restore honor to our military."

What's Wrong

Executive orders removing DEI programs and reinstating troops fired for vaccine refusal without proper Congressional authorization or military review. The orders bypassed normal military processes and review. Critics argued the orders undermined military readiness and diversity efforts. The reinstatement raised concerns about military discipline.

Impact

Institutional: Orders undermined military readiness and diversity efforts. Operational: Reinstatement of troops fired for vaccine refusal affected thousands of military personnel and raised concerns about discipline. Legal: Questions about authority to reinstate troops without proper review. Military: Orders affected military culture and readiness.

Sources & Full Details

Primary Sources

Background

President Trump signed executive orders on January 27, 2025, removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from the U.S. military and reinstating troops who were fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccination, with retroactive pay. The orders were made without proper Congressional authorization. Critics argued the orders undermined military readiness and diversity efforts.

Why Level 3?

Multiple guardrails bypassed: Congressional authority, separation of powers, institutional oversight. Executive orders removing DEI programs and reinstating troops without proper review. Measurable harm to military readiness and institutional integrity.