President Trump’s administration has taken significant steps to dismantle federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, effectively halting their operations.
Top Takeaways
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM) orders closure of DEI offices.
- DEI employees placed on paid leave as initiatives wind down.
- Agencies required to cancel related training and contracts.
- Trump’s executive order targets federal DEI programs.
Federal DEI Initiatives on Hold
The Office of Personnel Management has mandated the shutdown of all DEI offices, a move to be completed by the end of Wednesday. This decision places all employees from these offices on paid leave. Agencies have received instructions to remove all DEI-related documents and media promptly.
Furthermore, any existing DEI-related training and contracts are to be immediately canceled, marking another step in the administration’s approach to ceasing DEI activities. By Thursday, federal agencies must report all DEI offices, employees, and contracts to the OPM. A follow-up on Friday requires reports on efforts to cut DEI staff and identify any rebranding attempts.
Executive Directives and Policies
This directive stems from an executive order issued by President Trump, aiming to eradicate DEI programs from federal agencies. Trump’s memo specifically calls out the Federal Aviation Administration, urging for a return to merit-based hiring practices. The administration also requires agencies to take down DEI-related websites and social media.
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, commented that the move aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to build a merit-based society and end DEI practices considered discriminatory. She emphasizes that America should focus on hiring individuals based on skills rather than race or gender.
Marketplace Implications
The scaling back of DEI initiatives echoes across corporate America, with companies like Meta and Walmart withdrawing similar programs amid political and legal shifts. This development suggests a broader retraction within businesses due to Republican opposition.
The order requires agencies to submit plans by January 31 for reducing workforce impacted by the initiative closures. However, specifics about how many employees are affected remains elusive, with the White House providing limited comments on the situation.
Sources:
- White House OPM orders all DEI offices to begin closing by end of day Wednesday
- Trump admin orders federal DEI staff to be placed on paid leave by Wednesday
- Trump orders all federal diversity, equity and inclusion employees placed on paid leave starting Wednesday
- Trump admin orders federal employees in DEI offices to be placed on paid leave as agencies wind down diversity initiatives
