NATO is reportedly modifying its language on gender and diversity issues in new legislation to avoid conflict with the Trump administration.
Sources tell Politico that NATO is revising language related to climate, gender, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to preempt potential opposition from the Trump administration.
New NATO legislation is reportedly being drafted with revised wording regarding climate, gender diversity, and security to be more acceptable to Washington.
The Trump administration has moved swiftly to dismantle gender and DEI programs since taking office in January, including cutting funding for universities, eliminating federal DEI programs, and purging DEI initiatives within the Pentagon.
”Everyone sees on the news where the Trump admin stands; you don’t want to do anything that shoots yourself in the foot,” one NATO official told Politico.
Reportedly, ”Green technologies” are now referred to as “innovative technologies,” and “climate” is described as an “operational environment.”
NATO officials are avoiding language referencing “gender” or “women, peace, and security” to gain approval from all 32 member countries, including the US.
”Everyone knows that the worst thing you can do is present it as a diversity issue,” one of the officials said. “It’s not a woke agenda, it’s part of a military agenda, and now more people are pricking up their ears to make sure it is spoken about in military terms.”
The fight against “woke policies,” including gender reassignment treatment among minors, has been a key theme of Trump’s presidential campaign, and he has signed executive orders to roll back DEI initiatives since taking office.
Trump has consistently criticized NATO countries, accusing them of “freeloading” on US military support, and has pushed for members to increase their defense spending target from 2% to 5% of GDP.
The Trump administration recently unveiled a plan to slash the State Department’s budget by nearly 50%, potentially impacting contributions to NATO’s internal operations, the UN, and other international bodies. The proposal by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget aims to reduce funding for the State Department and USAID from $54.4 billion to $28.4 billion for the next fiscal year.
Significant changes include the proposed elimination of financial support for nearly all international organizations, including the UN and NATO headquarters.
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