The Air Force Reinstates Tuskegee Airmen Videos Amid Backlash

After the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. issued a scathing statement expressing their “disappointment and strong opposition” to the removal of their story and that of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Air Force reversed its decision to eliminate their training videos.

Source: Afro Newspaper/Gado / Getty
The move carried out to comply with an executive order targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, sparked outrage from historians, veterans, and advocates of military history.
According to AP News, once part of DEIA coursework in basic military training, the videos highlighted the monumental contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen—America’s first Black military pilots—and the WASPs, a trailblazing group of female WWII pilots.
These stories of heroism, service, and resilience are now the latest casualties in a controversial shift to suspend DEIA initiatives across federal agencies.
In their statement, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., the nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Red Tails, criticized the Air Force’s decision.
“The service and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASPs … are an essential part of American history and carried significant weight in the World War II veteran community,” the organization said.
The Tuskegee Airmen went on to call for the immediate reversal of this action and urged the President and Secretary of Defense to provide clear guidance to restore the courses.
They emphasized that these videos are not about promoting one group over another but about ensuring all service members understand the rich, multifaceted history of the American military.
These institutions couldn’t wait to have an excuse to carry out Project 2025 and remove so many of the people who built the landscape of America out of their companies.
The Air Force Responds, Restores Tuskegee Airmen Videos
On Sunday, the Air Force confirmed to USA TODAY that it will resume teaching its recruits about the first Black airmen in the nation’s military.

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Air Force Air Education and Training Command commander Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson told USA TODAY that the revised training, which focuses on the “documented historic legacy and decorated valor with which these units and Airmen fought for our Nation in World War II and beyond, will continue (Monday).
“The Air Force has not removed these Airmen’s incredible heritage from any training,” Robinson added. “Their personal examples of service, sacrifice and combat effectiveness are illustrative of the core values, character and warrior ethos necessary to be an Airman and Guardian.”
On Monday, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. National President Leon G. Butler Jr. praised Air Force leadership for responding quickly to the non-profit organization’s “concerns.”
Now that the reversal has happened, there’s some finger-pointing afoot. Conservatives are alleging that the Air Force “maliciously complied” with the DEI initiative and removed the Tuskegee airmen videos to harm the Trump administration and make it look bad. (As if it needs any help in that area)
Newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed and said, “The move would not stand,” before thanking Senator Katie Boyd Britt for leading the conversation.
More on the flip.
What Was Set To Be Removed? A Look at the Historical Heroes:

Source: Afro Newspaper/Gado / Getty
The Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Red Tails

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Their stories are Black History. As reported by AP News, the Tuskegee Airmen were the nation’s first Black military pilots, serving in a segregated unit during WWII. Known as the “Red Tails,” their all-Black 332nd Fighter Group achieved one of the lowest bomber escort loss records of the war.
Flying iconic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang, these pilots protected American bombers on perilous missions over Germany. Before their involvement, bomber losses were catastrophic due to attacks from German aircraft.
The success of the Tuskegee Airmen saved countless lives and paved the way for the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The WASPs: Women Who Took to the Skies

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The Women Airforce Service Pilots were equally groundbreaking. These female aviators ferried bombers from assembly lines to airfields during WWII, freeing male pilots for combat missions.
Despite their critical role, it wasn’t until the last decade that the WASPs earned the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, cementing their legacy as military pioneers.
Why It Matters: Preserving America’s Full Story
The removal of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs from training courses raised broader concerns about erasing vital chapters of American history. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. pointed out that their story represents more than just military history—it’s a testament to resilience, diversity, and the fight for equality in the face of systemic racism and sexism.
TAI’s statement emphasized that the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy includes more than 16,000 men and women, encompassing military and civilian personnel of various races and nationalities.
This inclusivity is part of the “Tuskegee Experience,” a historical narrative that transcends the limits of race and gender to reflect the true fabric of America’s past.
“We believe the content of these courses does not promote one category of service member or citizen over another. They are simply a part of American military history that all service members should be made aware of,” TAI said.
The Bigger Picture: DEIA Initiatives Under Fire
Prior to the restoration, the removal of these stories is part of a broader crackdown on DEIA initiatives across federal agencies following an executive order by former President Donald Trump.
According to AP News, the Air Force confirmed its decision and will “fully execute and implement all directives outlined in the Executive Orders issued by the President.”
However, some argue that the lack of clear guidance has caused agencies to take an overly broad approach, leading to unnecessary erasure of important content.
The Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs are not just symbols of diversity—they are integral to understanding how far the military has come and how far it still needs to go.
TAI’s plea for the restoration of these courses went beyond politics. As a nonprofit, the organization maintains its apolitical stance, focusing instead on the importance of telling a full and accurate military history.
“The opinions we express today reflect our values as a military heritage organization, committed to telling a full and accurate history of all service members of World War II, regardless of race, gender, or national origin,” TAI stated.