The Trump administration has directed U.S. federal agencies to eliminate roles and offices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to a memo issued by the Office of Personnel Management.
President Donald Trump, a Republican, has aggressively targeted DEI programs through executive orders since taking office Monday. These initiatives aim to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, and the LGBT community. Civil rights advocates argue DEI programs address structural inequities and systemic racism. However, Trump and his allies claim such efforts discriminate against other Americans and undermine merit-based hiring and promotions.
The memo mandates that heads of agencies, departments, and commissions terminate all DEI, DEIA, and environmental justice positions within 60 days, as far as legally permissible. Trump has also urged private sector organizations to join his campaign against DEI, intensifying concerns among civil rights groups.
Advocates warn this move reverses decades of progress toward equal opportunities in federal hiring and contracting. Critics argue dismantling DEI programs weakens efforts to address institutional biases and promotes inequality.
It remains unclear how many DEI-related roles exist across federal agencies. The directive signals a significant shift in federal policies concerning workplace diversity and inclusion.
Also read: Federal Reserve Scrubs Diversity and Inclusion Content from Website
