Trump Administration Erases Legacies of Civil Rights Leaders

Mar. 19, 2025, 6:00 am ET

The Trump administration has sparked outrage by removing pages commemorating Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from the Department of Defense and Arlington National Cemetery websites. This action is part of a broader purge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Trump administration, which has also led to the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website.

Medgar Evers, a WWII veteran and civil rights leader, and Major General Charles C. Rogers, the highest-ranking Black soldier to receive the Medal of Honor, were honored on these websites for their significant contributions to the country. Their removal has drawn strong reactions from veterans, historians, and the public, who see it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes.

“That’s got to be a mistake,” said former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Reuben Anderson. “Any attempt to erase this history is incredibly dishonest,” added historian Kevin M. Levin. The move has been met with criticism on social media, with one combat veteran on X stating, “When a f***ing draft dodging coward tries to erase a real hero. Because he’s black.”

The Trump administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been evident in various actions, including the removal of content seen as promoting diversity and inclusion. This purge reflects a broader ideological stance that has raised concerns about the erasure of historical contributions by minority figures and the potential undermining of diversity and inclusion efforts.

In contrast to the current actions, Trump had previously praised Evers during his 2017 visit to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, calling him a “great American hero.” This juxtaposition highlights the conflicting viewpoints within the administration and the public’s reaction to the recent removals.

The broader DEI purge includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives.

The removal of Evers and Rogers from official websites is part of a larger effort to purge DEI-related content, reflecting the administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine historical contributions by minority figures and the broader impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

Historian Kevin M. Levin emphasized the connection between Evers’ military service and his civil rights activism. “Medgar Evers loved his family, his community, and his country. And he knew it was long past time for his nation to fulfill its founding promise: to treat every citizen as an equal child of God,” Trump had said during his 2017 visit to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

The public’s reaction to these removals has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is a stark example of the administration’s efforts to purge DEI-related content. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine historical contributions by minority figures and the broader impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction to these removals has been one of outrage and disappointment, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The Trump administration’s actions against DEI initiatives have raised concerns about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a larger effort to purge DEI-related content, reflecting the administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is a stark example of the administration’s efforts to purge DEI-related content. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine historical contributions by minority figures and the broader impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction to these removals has been one of outrage and disappointment, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The Trump administration’s actions against DEI initiatives have raised concerns about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a larger effort to purge DEI-related content, reflecting the administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a broader purge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Trump administration. This action has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction has been one of disappointment and criticism, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The broader DEI purge includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is a stark example of the administration’s efforts to purge DEI-related content. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine historical contributions by minority figures and the broader impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction to these removals has been one of outrage and disappointment, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The Trump administration’s actions against DEI initiatives have raised concerns about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a larger effort to purge DEI-related content, reflecting the administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a broader purge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Trump administration. This action has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction has been one of disappointment and criticism, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The broader DEI purge includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is a stark example of the administration’s efforts to purge DEI-related content. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine historical contributions by minority figures and the broader impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction to these removals has been one of outrage and disappointment, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The Trump administration’s actions against DEI initiatives have raised concerns about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a larger effort to purge DEI-related content, reflecting the administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a broader purge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Trump administration. This action has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction has been one of disappointment and criticism, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The broader DEI purge includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is a stark example of the administration’s efforts to purge DEI-related content. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine historical contributions by minority figures and the broader impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction to these removals has been one of outrage and disappointment, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The Trump administration’s actions against DEI initiatives have raised concerns about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a larger effort to purge DEI-related content, reflecting the administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a broader purge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Trump administration. This action has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction has been one of disappointment and criticism, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The broader DEI purge includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The public’s reaction to the removals of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites has been one of outrage and disappointment. Veterans, historians, and the general public have expressed their disapproval, seeing it as an attempt to erase the legacies of these heroes. The administration’s actions have raised questions about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The broader DEI purge under the Trump administration includes the removal of over 26,000 images from the Department of Defense website and the cutting of 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These actions have significant implications for veterans’ access to medical care and the preservation of historical narratives. The administration’s stance against DEI initiatives has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.

The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is a stark example of the administration’s efforts to purge DEI-related content. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine historical contributions by minority figures and the broader impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The public’s reaction to these removals has been one of outrage and disappointment, highlighting the significance of these figures’ contributions to the country.

The Trump administration’s actions against DEI initiatives have raised concerns about the preservation of historical narratives and the impact on diversity and inclusion efforts. The removal of Medgar Evers and Major General Charles C. Rogers from official websites is part of a larger effort to purge DEI-related content, reflecting the administration’s stance against diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move has been met with criticism and concern about the potential erasure of historical contributions by minority figures.