U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the statement “Your diversity is not your strength” during a Navy 250th anniversary celebration on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Naval Station Norfolk. The event was also attended by former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump. During his address, Hegseth elaborated on this perspective, stating that the military’s strength lies in its “unity of purpose,” not its diversity. He framed his push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusio