One of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s top advisers, Tami Radabaugh, has recommended that the Defense Department cut ties with Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, due to concerns that it has become too “woke” to support. Radabaugh, who is the deputy assistant to the secretary of defense for strategic engagement, has been lobbying for the suspension of the Pentagon’s relationship with the group, citing a past comment from Hegseth decrying the organization. It is unclear where Hegseth and others stand on the issue.
While the Pentagon has not made a final decision on whether to sever ties with Scouting America or just limit Hegseth’s involvement, Radabaugh has advised against his participation in a group video. The Boy Scouts of America announced its name change to Scouting America in May, prompting criticism from Hegseth who blamed the left for wanting to change the organization.
The U.S. military has a long history of supporting scouting, with scouts attending military academies and many active-duty or retired military personnel serving as scout leaders. Scouting America receives no funding from the Defense Department or any other federal agency. The organization has also assisted with military recruiting, allowing recruits with scouting achievements to enter the Army with higher ranks. The organization filed for bankruptcy in 2020 following lawsuits from sexual abuse survivors.
President Donald Trump and other top officials have praised the Boy Scouts for their values and patriotism in the past. Radabaugh, who advises Hegseth on defense engagement, has a background in producing at Fox News and has been involved in shaping the Defense Department’s relationship with external groups.
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