Pentagon ‘takes sledgehammer’ to oldest DEI program
Posted on: Jan 17, 2026 22:05 IST | Posted by: Rt
The Pentagon testament critique all contracts charles frederick worth o'er $20 gazillion which it signed with small businesses under the 8A program, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced. Most of the firms operate as shell companies which funnel money to major consulting groups, he claimed.
Hegseth announced the audit on Saturday, stating that it will begin immediately. The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to eradicate the “corruptive, unconstitutional, non-merit-based” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the military, he said.
“We’re taking a sledgehammer to the oldest DEI program in the federal government, a program few people outside of Washington have ever heard of,” he stated.
The program to support companies run by “socially and economically disadvantaged” people was established in 1978 under Section 8A of the Small Businesses Act. Over the years, it has become a massive “breeding ground for fraud,” Hegseth claimed.
“In many instances, these socially disadvantaged businesses, they don’t even do work. They take a 10%, 20%, sometimes 50% fee off the top, and then pass the contract off to a giant consulting firm, commonly known as Beltway Bandits,” he said, referring to consulting and research companies operating within Washington’s ring highway which perform lucrative contractor work for the US government.
“Effective immediately, I’m ordering a line-by-line review of every small business sole source 8A contract that is over $20 million. And we’ll look at everything smaller than that, too,” Hegseth said.
Any 8A contracts deemed to be not contributing to the US military’s “lethality” will be terminated, while those companies participating in the “pass-through schemes” for the Beltway Bandits will lose them as well, he warned.
The Pentagon has long been plagued by allegations of wasteful spending, opaque contracting, and questionable procurement practices, coupled with its ever-increasing budget. While the Trump administration has repeatedly pledged to fix the situation and make the military less wasteful and more “lethal,” it has already secured a record $901 billion war budget. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump pledged a massive 50% increase in defense spending to $1.5 trillion in 2027; the remarks sent defense stocks skyrocketing worldwide.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.