A House GOP lawmaker introduced legislation Thursday that would codify President Trump’s executive order to stop U.S. military academies from teaching courses based on radical gender ideology and critical race theory.

Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee put forth a bill that would restrict federal funds “expended to establish a curriculum, or to provide training or education based on critical race theory, diversity, equity, and inclusion at the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.”

Mr. Green, a graduate of West Point, said, “Critical race theory is based on a massive and purposeful misunderstanding of the American founding, American history, and America as it exists today.”

Mr. Green called CRT “Marxist ideology created to tear American institutions down.”

He said, “It teaches Americans and members of the Armed Services to judge one another by the color of their skin instead of by the ‘content of their character.’ America should never go back to this kind of thinking.

“The United States military service academies are designed to train leaders and warriors for combat — men and women of every race, creed, and religion. Critical race theory’s divisiveness will destroy the unit cohesion necessary to win in combat and defend this nation.”

The legislation, based on a Jan. 27 White House executive order, is being considered for inclusion in the next National Defense Authorization Act, a must-pass bill that sets defense policy and authorizes spending for the Pentagon.

Critical race theory is a school of thought that teaches America — and every American institution — is based on a foundation of racism, instead of upon the principles of equality, justice and freedom.

During the Biden administration, under pressure from the Pentagon, Service Academies implemented CRT initiatives ranging from mandatory diversity training to reading lists that include Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to be an Antiracist.”

Some military academies added “Diversity and Inclusion” as a minor.

Republicans previously attempted to remove DEI and CRT curricula from the military academies in 2024 on the House draft of that year’s NDAA funding, but they were stymied by the Democratic controlled Senate.

• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.