Executive Order Axes Federal Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

DEI strategy book with diversity and disability icons.

President Trump’s administration takes decisive action to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, marking a significant shift in government policy.

Top Takeaways

  • Trump administration orders federal DEI employees to be placed on immediate paid leave
  • Agencies instructed to remove DEI media, cancel trainings, and terminate related contracts
  • Executive order aims to end what Trump calls a “far-left social experiment” wasting taxpayer money
  • Move follows similar reductions in DEI initiatives in the private sector
  • Administration pushes for return to merit-based hiring in federal agencies

Trump Administration Takes Aim at Federal DEI Programs

In a sweeping move, the Trump administration has ordered federal employees working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to be placed on paid leave. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has instructed federal departments to notify DEI program employees of their immediate administrative leave, effectively halting these programs across government agencies.

This directive comes as part of President Trump’s executive order to dismantle DEI programs, which he has labeled as discriminatory and wasteful. The administration’s stance is clear, as evidenced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s statement:

“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin”

Comprehensive Dismantling of DEI Infrastructure

The OPM’s instructions go beyond simply placing employees on leave. Agencies are directed to remove all DEI-related media, cancel diversity trainings, and terminate contracts related to these initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to completely dismantle the DEI infrastructure within federal operations.

To ensure compliance, the OPM has requested agencies to report any attempts to disguise DEI programs with vague language by January 31. Employees who fail to report renamed DEI programs may face adverse consequences, underlining the administration’s commitment to this policy shift.

Transition to Merit-Based Systems

In addition to dismantling DEI programs, the Trump administration has ordered a return to merit-based hiring in the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. This move aligns with the broader goal of prioritizing skills and qualifications over diversity considerations in federal employment practices.

Wider Implications and Private Sector Trends

The federal government’s move mirrors a trend in the private sector, where companies have been scaling back DEI efforts following a Supreme Court ruling on race in college admissions. Major corporations such as Meta, Amazon, McDonald’s, and Walmart have reduced their DEI initiatives, signaling a broader shift in approach to workplace diversity across both public and private sectors.

As the administration moves forward with this policy, it has requested a plan from agencies for reducing DEI office staff by the end of the month. This action continues efforts from Trump’s first term, where he signed an order prohibiting federal DEI programs, which was later countered by President Biden’s actions to promote what he called racial equality.

The dismantling of federal DEI programs represents a significant policy shift, reflecting the administration’s view that these initiatives have been ineffective and counterproductive. As this transition unfolds, it has sparked intense debate about the role of diversity initiatives in government and their impact on federal employment practices.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR