Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), an Army veteran and U.S. representative since 2023, urged the permanent abolition of DEI, saying he wants opportunities earned strictly on 'character, competence, and results.' He repeated earlier criticism of DEI in a May 2025 post on X. Entrepreneur Elon Musk endorsed Hunt's post by sharing it on X. Hunt is running in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. John Cornyn, with Ken Paxton also vying for the nomination.
Rep. Wesley Hunt Calls For Permanent End To DEI, Says Opportunities Should Be Earned On Merit
Black Republican calls for total, permanent abolition of DEI: 'I want to earn every opportunity on merit'
Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas called for the permanent abolition of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, saying he wants opportunities evaluated solely on 'character, competence, and results.' The Army veteran framed his argument as a defense of merit-based advancement rather than identity-based criteria.
'DEI should be abolished, permanently. I never want to be chosen, promoted, or rewarded because of how I look. I want to earn every opportunity on merit, through hard work, grit, discipline, and determination,' Hunt wrote on X.
'Equality means equal standards, not engineered outcomes. The dignity of achievement comes from effort, not entitlement. Judge me by my character, my competence, and my results. Anything less is an insult to everyone striving to be their best.'
Entrepreneur Elon Musk publicly endorsed Hunt's post on X, sharing the message and adding his support.
Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, prepares to speak at the Fiserv Forum on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisc., on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Background
Hunt, an Army veteran who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2023, has repeatedly criticized DEI initiatives. In May 2025 he posted on X that 'DEI should be DOA,' arguing America was built on merit, hard work and character rather than quotas or political considerations.
Campaign Context
The congressman is running in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is also contesting the GOP nomination. Hunt's comments come as his Senate bid builds momentum and sparks attention from national figures and media.
Reaction And Broader Debate
Hunt's statements reflect a broader conservative critique of DEI programs, which opponents describe as privileging group identity over individual merit. Supporters of DEI, by contrast, argue such programs address systemic barriers and improve institutional outcomes through diversity and inclusion. The exchange highlights continuing national debate over how best to balance equal opportunity, standards, and the role of identity in public life.
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