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• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to a U.S. military base in Germany sparked a student walkout.
• The students protested against Hegseth’s policies on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Adults, likely parents, also protested outside, chanting “DEI” and booing Hegseth’s delegation.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

On Tuesday, dozens of American students at Patch Middle School in Stuttgart, Germany, walked out of class to protest Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit. The protest was in response to recent policies by the Trump administration targeting DEI initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights.

Core Players

• Pete Hegseth – U.S. Defense Secretary
• Donald Trump – President of the United States
• Patch Middle School students – Led by an eighth-grade student who organized the walkout
• Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) – Oversees about 67,000 students worldwide

Key Numbers

• 55 students – Participated in the walkout
• 67,000 students – Enrolled in schools overseen by DoDEA worldwide
• 160 schools – Managed by DoDEA globally
• $126 billion – Collective military assistance provided to Ukraine by around 50 countries over three years

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The student walkout was triggered by Hegseth’s recent policies, including a ban on some educational materials and restrictions on transgender individuals joining the military. “We decided to act after seeing how Trump’s executive orders would target diversity events,” said an eighth-grade student who led the protest.

This protest highlights the growing concern among students and families about the impact of these policies on their community.

Inside Forces

The protest was organized by an eighth-grade student, who, along with her mother, spoke about the sense of community and solidarity among the students. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) acknowledged the students’ right to peacefully express their opinions.

“We respect our students’ rights to peacefully express their opinions through speech and other means,” stated Alexis Small, an assistant principal at Patch Middle School.

Power Dynamics

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, faced significant opposition during his confirmation process due to concerns about his qualifications and past behavior. Despite this, he was confirmed with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President J.D. Vance.

Hegseth’s policies have been met with resistance from various groups, including military families and students, who are concerned about the impact on DEI initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights.

Outside Impact

The Trump administration’s policies have broader implications, including the removal of federal employees working on DEI initiatives and the prohibition of transgender people from joining the military. These actions have sparked concerns among allies and human rights groups.

Protesters at the base in Stuttgart, including those holding rainbow-colored umbrellas, symbolizing support for LGBTQ+ rights, highlight the public backlash against these policies.

Future Forces

As Hegseth continues his European trip, he will meet with NATO allies to discuss strategic military aims and urge increased defense spending. The focus on ending the war in Ukraine quickly and the emphasis on European leadership in security assistance will be key points of discussion.

The administration’s stance on DEI and LGBTQ+ issues is likely to remain a contentious point, with ongoing protests and public debates anticipated.

Data Points

• Feb. 11, 2025: Hegseth visited the U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.
• Jan. 20, 2025: Trump signed executive orders affecting the military, including a ban on transgender individuals joining the military.
• 55 students: Participated in the walkout at Patch Middle School.
• $126 billion: Collective military assistance provided to Ukraine by around 50 countries over three years.