President Trump’s administration takes decisive action against federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, placing employees on paid leave and closing offices.
At a Glance
- 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
- Office of Personnel Management requests plan for reducing DEI office staff by month’s end
- Executive order claims DEI programs have divided Americans and wasted taxpayer dollars
- Private sector companies also scaling back DEI efforts following Supreme Court ruling
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, marking a significant shift in federal policy.
The directive comes as part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI programs across federal agencies. Departments have been ordered to remove DEI-related media, cancel diversity trainings, and terminate contracts associated with these initiatives. This action aligns with President Trump’s campaign promise to end what his administration views as ineffective and divisive programs within the federal government.
Federal employees in diversity, equity and inclusion roles will be placed on paid leave Wednesday as their offices are being ordered to shut down after Trump’s executive orders https://t.co/wOERmI0VCo
— Bloomberg (@business) January 22, 2025
Implementing the Executive Order
The OPM has set a tight timeline for agencies to comply with the new directive. Federal departments are required to report any attempts to disguise DEI programs with vague language by January 31. This measure aims to prevent the continuation of these initiatives under different names or descriptions.
“Effective immediately,” the Office of Personnel Management stated, emphasizing the urgency of the directive.
Furthermore, the OPM has requested “a written plan” from agencies for reducing DEI office staff by the end of the month. This rapid implementation underscores the administration’s commitment to swiftly enacting the changes outlined in the executive order.
Rationale Behind the Decision
The Trump administration has characterized DEI initiatives as a “far-left social experiment” that wastes taxpayer money and promotes discriminatory practices. The executive order claims that these programs have been detrimental to American society and government efficiency.
“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,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
This move is seen as a continuation of efforts from Trump’s first term, where he signed an order prohibiting federal DEI programs. The current action goes further by actively dismantling existing structures and placing employees on leave.
Wider Implications and Private Sector Response
The impact of this executive order extends beyond federal agencies. The private sector has also been reducing DEI initiatives, particularly following a recent Supreme Court ruling on race in college admissions. Major corporations such as Meta, Amazon, McDonald’s, and Walmart have scaled back their DEI efforts in response to changing legal and political landscapes.
“This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. Promises made, promises kept,” Leavitt added, framing the decision as a fulfillment of campaign pledges.
As the federal government moves away from DEI programs, it signals a shift towards what the administration describes as a merit-based approach to hiring and workplace culture. This change is likely to spark debates about the role of diversity initiatives in both public and private sectors, and their impact on American society and the workforce.