The Trump administration has moved decisively to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government. He issued a new directive ordering all federal DEI employees to be placed on paid leave starting January 22.
This measure, part of a broader executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his inauguration day, signals a major policy shift from the previous administration’s focus on DEI programs.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo on Tuesday instructing federal agencies to place DEI staff on leave and remove all DEI-related websites and social media accounts by the January 22 deadline.
The memo also requires agencies to cancel DEI training programs and terminate contracts associated with these initiatives.
In a broader mandate, agencies must submit lists of federal DEI offices and staff as of November 5, 2024, and prepare plans for a “reduction-in-force action” against these employees by January 31.
Additionally, agencies are tasked with identifying any contract or position descriptions altered after the November election to hide connections to DEI and accessibility programs.
Trump’s executive order strongly criticized the Biden administration for embedding DEI policies into nearly every federal agency.
The order called these policies “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” and accused the previous administration of fostering wasteful practices that undermined merit-based governance.
Among the key actions outlined in Trump’s order is the elimination of environmental justice offices and equity-focused action plans, grants, and contracts within 60 days.
Federal agencies must also provide comprehensive lists of grantees and contractors involved in DEI and environmental justice programs since January 20, 2021.
Trump’s vision for governance includes a return to what he described as a “colorblind and merit-based” society
During his inaugural address, he stressed the end of policies that he believes socially engineer race and gender into public life. He stated, “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.”
This sweeping move to eliminate DEI programs aligns with Trump’s broader rollback of Biden-era policies. Among the 78 executive orders rescinded on inauguration day were several that promoted DEI and racial equity initiatives in federal employment and underserved communities.
The Trump administration has also signaled plans to enforce U.S. civil rights laws more rigorously in both the public and private sectors.
The U.S. Department of Labor has reiterated the protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
By dismantling DEI-focused initiatives, the Trump administration seeks to redefine federal policy around principles of equality and merit, setting a new tone for governance in its second term.