Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and the Woke Controversy
The latest addition to the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which premiered on Paramount+ in January 2026, has sparked intense debate over its alleged promotion of a "woke" agenda, characterized by progressive themes of diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Set in the 32nd century, the series follows a diverse group of young cadets at Starfleet Academy, emphasizing themes of identity, cultural blending, and evolving gender norms amid a post-scarcity utopia.
Critics, including White House advisor Stephen Miller and Elon Musk, have accused the show of pushing progressive ideals too far, with Miller calling a clip featuring female characters "tragic" and Musk mocking elements like characters wearing glasses or not conforming to idealized body standards, suggesting a prioritization of "body politics over competence." The show features LGBT representation, such as a half-Klingon/half-Jem'Hadar character in a lesbian relationship and explorations of non-traditional family structures, which some viewers label as overt agenda-pushing. This has led to review-bombing on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, dropping its audience score to 35% despite positive critic reviews.
Defenders, including actress Gina Yashere (who plays Commander Lura Thok) and Whoopi Goldberg, argue that Star Trek has always been "woke," citing its history of addressing racism, inequality, and social boundaries since the 1960s. Yashere embraced the backlash, stating it makes her lean further into the show's progressive identity. On X, discussions range from praise for its inclusivity to criticisms labeling it "WOKE TRASH" and a "disaster."