
President Trump’s executive order terminates federal diversity programs, affecting hundreds of employees and millions in contracts.
Quick Takes
- Trump ends all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
- 395 government bureaucrats placed on leave
- $420 million in DEI-related contracts canceled
- Shift from Biden’s DEI mandates to merit-based system
- Agencies required to dismantle DEI initiatives and report compliance
Trump’s Executive Order Dismantles Federal DEI Programs
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that effectively terminates all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This sweeping action has resulted in 395 government bureaucrats being placed on leave and the cancellation of approximately $420 million in DEI-related contracts. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced these significant changes as part of the implementation of Trump’s executive order.
🚨 Donald Trump drops the 🎤 and said we’re in a MERIT based world and a MERIT based country
Innovation doesn’t happen with DEI hires
THIS IS HUGE
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) January 25, 2025
The executive order aims to end former President Joe Biden’s DEI mandates and return to a merit-based system. Trump’s decision marks a stark departure from the previous administration’s approach to diversity initiatives in the federal government. The federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has taken swift action, issuing a memo directing all DEI employees to be placed on paid leave.
Agencies Directed to Dismantle DEI Initiatives
In line with the executive order, agency heads have been instructed to close DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) offices, remove related media, and cancel DEIA-related contracts and trainings. This comprehensive approach aims to completely overhaul the federal government’s stance on diversity programs. Agencies must report to OPM by January 23, 2025, on the steps taken to implement the memo and provide detailed lists of DEIA offices and contracts.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates” have been rescinded in favor of what President Trump calls a return to “our country to the merit system,” signaling a significant shift in federal employment practices. The executive order effectively reverses Biden’s previous order on “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” This change in policy direction reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to eliminating what it views as unnecessary or counterproductive diversity initiatives within the federal government.
Comprehensive Reporting and Compliance Measures
To ensure thorough implementation of the new policy, agencies have been directed to inform employees of the DEI shutdown and remove all DEI-related online content. Furthermore, they must report any attempts to disguise DEI programs using coded language, demonstrating the administration’s determination to root out all vestiges of these initiatives. By meeting specific deadlines, agencies are required to provide comprehensive lists of DEI offices, employees, and contracts, as well as submit plans for reducing DEI staff. This meticulous approach aims to ensure full compliance with the executive order across all federal departments and agencies.
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Trump’s federal DEI purge puts hundreds on leave, nixes $420M in contracts