Former Pentagon Spokesman Resigns Amid Fallout from Online DEI Purge/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ John Ullyot, a former Pentagon spokesman, was asked to resign after overseeing a controversial directive to remove online content promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The move triggered public criticism when historic figures like Jackie Robinson were among those affected. His departure adds to growing internal tensions under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership.
Key Developments – Quick Look
- John Ullyot was asked to resign from the Pentagon’s communications office this week.
- He oversaw a directive to remove DEI-themed imagery from military websites and social platforms.
- The removal included images of historic figures like Jackie Robinson, sparking backlash.
- Ullyot told Politico he resigned voluntarily, but officials say he was asked to leave.
- His resignation is separate from the Pentagon’s ongoing leak investigation.
- Three other senior aides have been placed on administrative leave over that probe.
- Those aides include Colin Carroll, Darin Selnick, and Dan Caldwell.
- All sources spoke anonymously to discuss internal personnel actions.
Former Pentagon Spokesman Steps Down After DEI Image Purge Sparks Controversy
DEEP LOOKS
WASHINGTON (AP) – John Ullyot, the former Pentagon spokesman and an early appointee under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has resigned this week amid mounting backlash over a controversial decision to strip military websites of content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), according to a senior defense official.
Though Ullyot claimed he had chosen to resign, the official told the Associated Press that the decision was in fact requested by Hegseth’s office due to the mounting criticism and internal discontent related to his role in the DEI purge.
DEI Crackdown Sparks Backlash
The controversy erupted after the Pentagon’s communications office issued a broad directive to all military branches to remove online imagery that promoted DEI initiatives. Among the images removed were those of Jackie Robinson, a national icon and military veteran whose legacy of breaking racial barriers drew public outcry when removed from military education sites and outreach materials.
The directive was framed as part of Hegseth’s effort to refocus the Defense Department’s public messaging, but it immediately triggered criticism from civil rights advocates, veterans, and lawmakers.
“This type of erasure undermines the very values that our armed forces claim to uphold,” one former defense official said.
Ullyot’s Role and Resignation
Ullyot, a former Trump administration communications adviser, was tapped to help lead Hegseth’s public affairs team in early 2025. He was directly responsible for implementing the DEI content purge. On Wednesday, Ullyot told Politico he had decided to resign, but officials familiar with the matter say he was asked to leave following internal discussions.
“This was not a voluntary departure,” said the defense official. “The secretary’s office made the call.”
Ullyot has not publicly commented further and did not respond to requests for additional clarification.
Not Linked to Pentagon Leak Investigation
Officials emphasized that Ullyot’s resignation is unrelated to a separate internal investigation into unauthorized disclosures of classified or sensitive information from within the Pentagon.
So far, that investigation has resulted in three senior aides being placed on administrative leave:
- Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg
- Darin Selnick, deputy chief of staff to Secretary Hegseth
- Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser in the Pentagon’s inner circle
It remains unclear what exact information was leaked, but the probe has triggered increased scrutiny over the security protocols inside Hegseth’s office.
A Growing Rift in the Pentagon’s Leadership
Ullyot’s exit and the ongoing investigation reflect deeper tensions inside the Pentagon under Hegseth’s leadership. Critics of recent decisions point to a rapid ideological shift and an erosion of internal trust across the Department of Defense.
Multiple defense insiders say the culture under Hegseth has become highly politicized, with a growing divide between career military personnel and political appointees pushing a more combative public agenda.
“There’s a sense of instability,” one official said anonymously. “Every week brings another dramatic personnel move or public backlash.”
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