Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland Retires Amid DEI Policy Changes

US Army Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, the head of the military’s health agency and one of the highest-ranking Black female officers, was forced to retire, marking a significant leadership change following President Donald Trump's recent dismissal of several senior military officials. Although her retirement was publicly framed as voluntary, sources indicate she was instructed to step down without a given reason. Crosland's departure aligns with the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Pentagon, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticized as divisive. Hegseth has also discontinued commemorations of identity months, reinforcing a shift against DEI programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups. Crosland's tenure included overseeing healthcare for approximately 9.5 million service members, their families, and retirees. The Pentagon has not issued a detailed explanation for her retirement, further raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her exit.