Trump Official Accuses Washington Post of Misinformation Regarding EEOC Workforce Cuts

Trump Official Accuses Washington Post of Misinformation Regarding EEOC Workforce Cuts

Andrea Lucas, who served as the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has publicly criticized The Washington Post and its economics reporter Jeff Stein for disseminating what she describes as false information regarding significant purported staff reductions within the agency.

Lucas firmly stated that Stein confused two federal entities that operate independently. The article in question claimed that a division in the Labor Department, tasked with enforcing equal employment opportunity regulations, intended to slash its workforce by 90%. This specific Labor Department section refers to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which was reported to be reducing its staff from over 500 employees across 50 offices to as few as 50 employees in just four offices.

Erroneous Reporting Sparks Backlash

In a social media post on X, Stein indicated that among the various extensive changes planned by Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative, the Labor Department considered reducing the EEOC’s staff by 90%. His comment ignited a backlash from Lucas, who stressed the critical error in linking the two agencies.

After Lucas highlighted the reporting mistake, Stein issued a follow-up message that attempted to clarify his statements. He noted that the office he initially referenced was indeed a division of the Labor Department that oversees civil rights law enforcement.

Lucas, speaking with Fox News Digital, emphasized that The Washington Post’s coverage undermines the credibility of the EEOC and misleads the public regarding the agency’s capabilities to uphold the law. She illustrated her concerns by commenting, “We pushed back with corrections, yet WaPo retweeted information indicating they were discussing OFCCP, the office he should have referenced from the start.”

Separating FACT from Fiction

Lucas made it abundantly clear that any potential staff reductions made by DOGE within the Labor Department and OFCCP are unrelated to the mission and operations of the EEOC. She outlined that the commission exists to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which specifically establishes the EEOC’s duty to combat discrimination in the workforce.

Despite the prevailing discussion regarding job cuts at the OFCCP, Lucas reassured the public that the EEOC remains fully operational and committed to its objectives. She highlighted that the agency is concentrating on defeating discrimination in all forms, including aspects related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Commitment to Civil Rights Enforcement

Lucas is dedicated to ensuring that the EEOC aligns with the president’s executive directives that bolster fair civil rights enforcement. After four years of an administration that utilized federal agencies to advance diversity and inclusion goals, Lucas proclaimed her directive to the EEOC to prioritize actionable legal and financial repercussions against employers exhibiting anti-American bias during recruitment processes.

In her words, “Discriminatory employers need to recognize that the EEOC is actively monitoring and can respond to violations. Misleading narratives can obscure the fact that this agency faithfully serves as a guardian of workers’ rights against unlawful discrimination, including that which pertains to DEI initiatives.”

Continuous Efforts Towards Agency Improvement

On the topic of DOGE’s objectives, Lucas expressed her unwavering support for the president’s mission to enhance government productivity. She stated, “I fully endorse the president’s efforts and DOGE’s aims to improve government efficiency and effectiveness.”

Lucas remains optimistic about the future of the EEOC, contending that the agency is committed to bolstering its workforce effectiveness while striving for neutrality and efficiency. “We work diligently to ensure that our workforce is both productive and well-equipped to handle discrimination-related concerns,” she asserted. “Our objectives directly correlate with the executive orders focused on civil rights enforcement. We are firmly established as a law enforcement agency dedicated to upholding the law.”

Despite the controversies, Lucas expressed certainty that the EEOC will continue to fulfill its essential role in civil rights advocacy. She firmly believes that the agency is vital in protecting employees against discrimination while navigating the complexities within a changing federal landscape.

The Washington Post has not issued a response to Fox News Digital’s request for comments at the time of publication.