Day One – Trump administration issues directive for removal of all federal DEI staff and programs, directive to employees to report DEI

On his first day in office, the Trump administration issued a directive for all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff that placed them on paid leave, as part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI programs across the federal government. Additionally, the administration sent an email urging federal workers to report any colleagues who are involved in DEI initiatives, labeling them as potentially engaging in “illegal” actions. 

Federal agencies have been instructed to develop plans to lay off DEI staff and close all DEI-focused offices and programs. The executive order is aimed at dismantling the federal government’s DEI programs they view as “discriminatory” practices stemming from DEI policies introduced by the Biden administration. The order will dismantle DEI offices, training, and related programs across the federal government, impacting various initiatives from anti-bias training to programs supporting minority groups and funding for minority farmers and homeowners. Agencies were also directed to create plans to remove all DEI-related webpages and resources.

While the long-term impacts remain uncertain, the Trump administration’s decision has stirred controversy and sparked intense debate about the balance between promoting diversity and ensuring fairness across all sectors of society. Critics argue that it undermines efforts to ensure equal opportunities for historically marginalized communities. The sweeping nature of this executive order suggests significant structural changes within the federal government. However, many experts caution that implementing such changes is complex and may take time due to the deeply embedded policies and procedures across federal agencies. The unfolding legal and political dynamics will likely determine how these policies evolve moving forward.

Key points include:

1. Staff and Office Closures: Federal agencies were directed to place all DEI staff on paid leave and remove DEI-focused webpages by a specific deadline. The administration also mandated a review to identify positions and offices related to DEI and prepare for layoffs, essentially defunding these roles.
2. Focus on Federal Diversity Efforts: The order targets diversity offices, accountability measures, and performance reviews tied to diversity goals. It mandates the closure of equity-focused initiatives developed during Biden’s tenure, such as diversity plans and demographic data tracking for hiring and promotions within federal agencies.
3. Grant and Benefits Overhaul: The executive order also sets in motion a government-wide review of federal spending, including contracts and grants, with an emphasis on ensuring compliance with the administration’s anti-DEI stance. This could impact programs that allocate funds based on racial or gender diversity.
4. Targeting Diversity-Related Hiring Practices: Trump’s order is likely to affect pay equity regulations and hiring practices that promote diversity, such as banning inquiries into salary history or criminal records during the hiring process.
5. Political Context: The move is part of a broader conservative agenda to challenge DEI programs in both the public and private sectors. This is especially relevant after the 2023 Supreme Court decision that struck down race-based affirmative action programs in higher education.

The sweeping nature of this executive order suggests significant structural changes within the federal government. However, many experts caution that implementing such changes is complex and may take time due to the deeply embedded policies and procedures across federal agencies.

Federal workers urged to report DEI DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION, Threatened with Repercussions for Not Reporting DEI Roles

Federal employees were sent emails Wednesday warning of repercussion if they fail to report colleagues in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) positions that may be hidden from supervisors. Employees were instructed to notify the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) of any changes in job descriptions or contracts since November 5, 2024, designed to obscure DEIA connections. Those who fail to report within 10 days were warned of “adverse consequences.”

This move is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to dismantle DEI programs within federal agencies. A memo issued earlier this week directed agency heads to distribute the emails, using a template that criticized DEI initiatives as divisive, wasteful, and discriminatory.

In addition to these actions, the administration has called for placing employees in DEI roles on paid leave and signed an executive order to eliminate federal DEI mandates. Trump also recently revoked an executive order that had protected against discrimination by federal contractors, requiring affirmative action and prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and more.