Fox News pundit slammed after blaming Black service members' deaths on diversity push

An attack drone wasn’t to blame for the deaths of three U.S. service members killed in Jordan on Sunday, according to one Fox News pundit. Wokeness was.

Maria Bartiromo suggested on-air Tuesday that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were behind the deaths of Black service members Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, Spec. Kennedy Ladon Sanders and Spec. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett.

“Maybe they’re focused too much on DEI,” Bartiromo said to guest Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX).

Bartiromo then appeared to reference a recent report, delivered to House Republicans, that argues diversity policies lowered standards at the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

“They’re dropping the FBI special agent requirements in the name of DEI,” Bartiromo said. “I’m just wondering if that has anything to do with missing an important drone that just killed three of our heroes.”

It's worth noting the FBI is not part of the military, its jurisdiction is limited to the U.S., and the report relies on anecdotal evidence delivered by 20 sources, some retired, in the 35,000-member department.

It’s also worth noting U.S. officials say a tragic coincidence may to be to blame, as the attacking aircraft targeted the base about the same time as an American drone was expected to return, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

A Rolling Stone analysis of Bartiromo’s remarks reports DEI serves as a “conservative dog whistle” among Republicans seeking to dismantle anti-discrimination efforts.

“The false notion that diversity makes industries and institutions less safe has been around for some time now, particularly when it comes to right-wing attacks against military leadership,” writes Nikki McCann Ramirez.

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“Before his firing from Fox News, white nationalist commentator Tucker Carlson was criticized by military officials after he attacked the Defense Department for accommodating the needs of pregnant Air Force service members.”

Bartiromo’s remarks were also shared in an X video that quickly went viral and spurred angry words from outraged viewers.

“I knew this would be a Republican talking point once we found out that the soldiers were black,” wrote @kimleannelliot.

“I really wish they would pull Fox News off the air,” wrote Herman Davis. “That’s so disrespectful to the families.”

“So disrespectful to the three patriots who lost their lives, their families, and friends,” agreed @ChidiNwatu.

Watch the video below or click here.