Under President Donald Trump, U.S. agencies aggressively moved to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, rescind job offers, and sideline over 150 national security officials. Trump criticized DEI initiatives as “nonsense” and promoted a “merit-based” system in a speech at Davos.
Federal agencies, including the CIA and Department of Agriculture, dissolved DEI offices and removed diversity-related content from their websites. The Department of Education ceased public access to diversity training materials, emphasizing “meaningful learning” over “divisive ideology.” DEI advocates argue such programs address systemic inequality, but Trump supporters contend they unfairly disadvantage others.
A memo instructed federal employees to report colleagues using “coded language” to disguise DEI efforts, warning of consequences for non-compliance. Numerous DEI officials were placed on leave, with their offices slated for closure.
In broader workforce changes, Trump froze federal hiring, authorized a controversial “Schedule F” order allowing political appointees to replace career civil servants, and revoked job offers to law students in the DOJ Honors Program. The National Treasury Employees Union filed a lawsuit against Schedule F.
National Security Council staff and other federal employees faced abrupt dismissals, with many left uncertain about their futures. Critics, including Senator Tim Kaine, denounced the administration’s hostility toward federal workers.
Also read: Senate to Review Trump Nominee for Commerce Chief on Jan. 29
