WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a controversial move that’s sparking strong reactions across the country, the federal government announced this week that it will not recognize June as Pride Month in 2025. Officials stated that this year, national observances will focus entirely on honoring American veterans, not LGBTQ+ pride celebrations.
White House Press Secretary Mark Halloway made the announcement during a press briefing on Monday, stating, “The month of June will no longer be used to promote cultural or social agendas. Instead, we will direct our energy and resources toward those who have risked their lives defending the United States.”
The decision comes as the administration continues to pivot toward what it calls “traditional American values,” emphasizing patriotism, military service, and unity over what it describes as “ideological division.”
“For too long,” Halloway continued, “we’ve watched government agencies, corporations, and even military branches drape themselves in rainbow logos, while many of our veterans continue to be neglected. That ends now.”
The Department of Defense will lead the national initiative, launching “Heroes of Honor Month” on June 1, featuring ceremonies, veteran resource campaigns, and memorial events across all 50 states.
Unsurprisingly, the announcement has ignited fierce backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, many of whom see the move as a direct attack on civil rights and visibility.
“This isn’t about honoring veterans — it’s about erasing LGBTQ+ Americans from public life,” said Bryce Ramirez, spokesperson for Equality First. “We can honor our heroes and still recognize the importance of Pride. It’s not a zero-sum game.”
However, supporters of the administration’s decision argue that the shift is long overdue.
“June should never have been about rainbow marketing and identity politics,” said retired Army Colonel Steve Harland. “We lost friends, limbs, and years of our lives for this country — we deserve a month where it’s not about hashtags and parade floats.”
Multiple state governments have responded with their own declarations, either doubling down on Pride Month recognitions or following the federal government’s lead. Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised the decision, tweeting, “It’s about time. We’re proud of our veterans — not political pageantry.”
The White House has confirmed that no federal buildings will fly the rainbow flag in June and that federal departments are “strongly encouraged” to keep their public messaging focused on military service, remembrance, and national pride.
As for Pride celebrations across the country, cities and private organizations are still planning to carry on as usual — but this year, they’ll be doing so without any backing from the federal government.
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