Pentagon Threatens To Defund Scouting America Over Inclusion Of Girls And Gays
The US Department of War (formally the US Department of Defence) has issued an ultimatum to Scouting America. They must reverse their policies on inclusivity and gender or face a complete severance of military ties.
A demand for traditional values.
This threat comes directly from the top. On Monday, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell posted a warning on social media. He stated the organisation is “on the clock” and must return to its “core principles”.
Parnell was explicit about what this means. He wrote, “Back to God and country – immediately!”
This move aligns with War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s ongoing criticism of the group. Hegseth has previously accused Scouting America of abandoning “masculine values” and fostering “gender confusion”. The Department of War views the inclusion of girls and LGBTQIA+ members as a departure from the group’s mission.
The cost of cutting ties.
The consequences of this split would be significant. Scouting America relies heavily on military support for its massive events. The 2026 National Jamboree is scheduled for July in West Virginia and expects over 15,000 attendees.
Typically, the National Guard provides essential logistics. This includes medical care, security, and transport. Without this help, the event could fall into chaos.
Furthermore, the Pentagon plans to ban Scout troops from meeting on military bases. This would displace countless troops that operate on installations domestically and abroad. It is a move that hurts military families directly.
Breaking news: The Pentagon issued a warning to Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, saying the organization risks losing its long-standing partnership with the U.S. military unless it rapidly implements “core value reforms.”https://t.co/UxL0f6nNOS
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 3, 2026
Scouting stands its ground.
Scouting America has been trying to navigate this political pressure for months. They rebranded from the Boy Scouts of America in 2024 to be more welcoming.
In a statement, the organisation said, “Scouting’s American values have not changed.” They expressed surprise at the Pentagon’s aggressive stance but remain committed to their current path.
Scouting America opened its doors to gay youth in 2013 and to girls in 2018. These changes were made to ensure the program remained relevant and sustainable.
What happens next?
The Pentagon claims negotiations are nearing a “final agreement”. However, their public demands suggest they want a total rollback of the last decade’s progress.
Is the US military prepared to end a century-long partnership over the presence of girls and LGBTQIA+ scouts?
For now, the scouts are waiting to see if the Department of War will follow through on its threats. The deadline is looming.
