Congress Acknowledges Wounded Knee Massacre, but Defense Secretary Keeps Soldiers' Honors

Congress finally acknowledges the Wounded Knee Massacre. But a recent decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth keeps military honors for soldiers involved, reigniting debates about justice and recognition.

, and Administrator

2025 October 2 . 9:51 AM

1 min read

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text... — In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Congress Acknowledges Wounded Knee Massacre, but Defense Secretary Keeps Soldiers' Honors

In a historic move, Congress acknowledged the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1990, expressing regret to the Sioux people. However, a recent decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dashed hopes of removing military honours for soldiers involved in the tragic event.

The Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 saw U.S. soldiers kill an estimated 250-300 Lakota men, women, and children, many after a cease-fire order. Several soldiers admitted to firing on women and children, and Army Gen. Nelson A. Miles described it as a 'brutal, cold-blooded massacre'.

In 2024, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of the medals awarded to the soldiers involved. However, Hegseth, who succeeded Austin, announced that the soldiers would keep their Medals of Honor, contradicting Indigenous leaders and historians. Hegseth's decision was criticized as being influenced by his stance against 'woke culture' in the military, and he aims to implement 'gender-neutral' physical fitness standards.

The Wounded Knee Massacre remains a sensitive topic, with ongoing debates about the medals awarded to the soldiers involved. While Congress acknowledged the tragedy in 1990, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent decision to keep the military honours has disappointed Native American communities and historians seeking justice and recognition.