Trump Administration's Actions to Dismantle DEI Initiatives Across Federal Government

Trump Administration’s Actions to Dismantle DEI Initiatives

President Donald Trump took swift action to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices across the federal government within days of taking office. In an unprecedented move, he signed a series of executive orders aimed at reversing former President Joe Biden’s initiatives centered on DEI.

On Inauguration Day, January 20, President Trump issued an executive order directing the elimination of all DEI programs in the federal government. This included codifying a policy that only recognizes two genders: male and female. Such decisions immediately set the tone for his administration’s approach to DEI.

Immediate Closure of Federal DEI Offices

The day after his inauguration, President Trump instructed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to inform heads of federal agencies that all DEI offices must close, placing employees on paid leave. This decisive action prompted a rapid shutdown of the offices’ public operations, including the deactivation of websites and social media accounts associated with DEI.

This closure also necessitated the withdrawal of documents, directives, and equity plans linked to these programs. In a move touted by the Department of Government Efficiency, Trump claimed that ending various DEI contracts resulted in a savings of approximately $420 million.

End of Discriminatory Hiring Practices

In a bid to prevent perceived discrimination in educational and employment settings, President Trump issued two additional executive actions. One aimed to eradicate workplace and educational discrimination based on race and sex through preferences often attributed to DEI initiatives.

Furthermore, a memo was released to revoke hiring policies that prioritized DEI at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The memo required the FAA to return to merit-based hiring practices and ensure that staffing in critical safety roles reflects competence and efficiency.

Trump emphasized that any hiring that favored demographics over qualifications undermined the safety and confidence of air travel. The memo highlighted that all so-called DEI initiatives needed to be revoked, ensuring that hiring and promotions centered on individual capability and merit.