Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure in national defense policy, has signaled intentions to withhold support from Scouting America, citing concerns over its approach to gender identity and the potential implications for national security. Hegseth falsely accuses the organization of producing “gender confusion.” He makes the case that sending troops and resources to the next Jamboree would be detrimental, given these problems.
Hegseth’s critiques of positive Scouting America are hardly received in virgin territory. Actually, he just about blew a gasket in 2018 when the organization changed its name to admit girls into its ranks. He often decries that Scouting America has strayed from its original path. In his view, it’s lost its way and no longer teaches the values of character, leadership, citizenship and service. These claims are rooted in a bigger concern. He thinks the organization has failed to sufficiently emphasize masculine values, which he feels are necessary to raise strong leaders.
In 2017, Hegseth lauded Scouting America as an organization that turned out “better citizens.” He highlighted that 10 of his cabinet members were former Scouts, illustrating the organization’s historical significance in shaping responsible citizens. He argued that Scouting America has been “cratering itself for a long time.” It’s a sign of how deeply he believes that the group’s recent leadership purges have hollowed out its integrity.
Hegseth’s alarm grew and he decided to do something about it. He introduced legislation to sever Scouting America’s links with the U.S. military. This bill would effectively ban scouting troops from gathering at military posts at home and around the world. Further, he makes the case that such action is needed to keep the organization’s honor and protect national security.
Hegseth’s behind-the-scenes efforts to erase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from the Pentagon. We can see how his actions align pretty clearly with his broader agenda. His approach has been criticized as excessively punishing senior female and African American officers. This has led to baseless accusations that he plans to destroy all efforts of diversity initiatives, again without providing any meaningful proof.
This is an institution the left didn’t have control over. They didn’t want to improve it. He wanted to make sure that people didn’t burn down Scouting America, but rather demoralize it and turn it into a mockery of itself. He underscored the need to maintain its fundamental principles.
No one is more passionate about the rebranding of America’s favorite youth organization, Scouting America, than Hegseth. Interestingly enough, though, he’s not a former Boy Scout. His continuing critique raises the specter of ulterior motives. It urges us to start thinking about what his proposed changes would mean for an organization that has historically been one of the bedrocks of youth development in America.