Scouting America Changes Course To Become Boy Scouts Again
A decades-long partnership between the U.S. military and Scouting America now stands at a crossroads.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the organization must implement significant policy changes — including revisiting positions related to transgender youth — if it wants to retain Pentagon support. The warning marks the latest escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and the youth organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.
Hegseth revealed in a video posted on X that he had been “seriously considering” ending all Department of Defense support for Scouting America, arguing the group had “lost their way.” He cited what he described as the creeping influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, along with what he sees as a dilution of the organization’s traditional emphasis on faith and foundational principles.
Under the proposed changes, Scouting America would discontinue its Citizenship in Society merit badge and introduce a new Military Service merit badge. The organization would also waive registration fees for military families and formally recommit to leadership, character, duty to God, and duty to country. According to prior statements, the group also agreed to dissolve its DEI board committee as part of discussions with federal officials.
The Pentagon confirmed it will “vigorously review” reforms made over the past six months. If the department determines the organization has not met expectations, military support could be withdrawn. That support has historically included logistical assistance for the National Jamboree, sponsorship of troops on military bases, and recognition benefits for Eagle Scouts who enlist.
Hegseth framed the issue as a return to core values. “Ideally,” he said, “the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded.” He emphasized that continued partnership depends on rapid implementation of what the administration calls “common-sense, core value reforms.”
Scouting America responded Friday with a statement expressing pride in its longstanding relationship with military families and announcing it is moving forward with programmatic updates. The organization confirmed it will maintain its current name and continue serving more than 200,000 girls participating in its programs. Since opening its flagship program to girls in 2019, more than 6,000 have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
The organization’s evolution has been marked by significant cultural and legal milestones. It began allowing gay youth in 2013, lifted its ban on gay adult leaders in 2015, and opened enrollment to transgender youth in 2017. These changes followed years of legal battles and public controversy, including a landmark 2000 Supreme Court ruling affirming the group’s right to set its own membership standards.
Beyond cultural shifts, Scouting America has also weathered profound legal and financial challenges. After facing tens of thousands of sexual abuse claims, the organization entered bankruptcy in 2020 and finalized a $2.4 billion compensation plan in 2023 while continuing operations.