Lockheed Martin's DEI Policies Raise Concerns Over Meritocracy

A recent report by conservative journalists Christopher Rufo and Ryan Thorpe has sparked controversy over Lockheed Martin’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The report alleges that the defense contractor prioritized DEI over merit, awarding bonuses based on employees’ skin color rather than performance. This practice, claimed to be in open violation of civil rights law, has raised concerns about the company’s commitment to excellence in building advanced warfighting tools.
According to the report, after the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, Lockheed Martin implemented radical DEI policies, including requiring white men in leadership roles to attend racial reeducation programs. In 2022, a whistleblower revealed that executives altered bonus lists to meet diversity quotas, with one email stating the need to “fit in the box” regarding diversity stats.
Lockheed Martin has denied the allegations, asserting that it operates as a meritocracy and is investigating the claims. The company also stated its alignment with President Trump’s executive orders and emphasized its commitment to fairness and excellence.
The report comes amid concerns about U.S. military superiority, particularly following a recent airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities aided by F-35 jets produced by Lockheed Martin. Critics argue that the company’s focus on DEI risks undermining its ability to deliver cutting-edge defense technology, raising questions about the balance between diversity and warfighting excellence.

Published: 6/24/2025