
A major shift in federal policy takes place as President Trump orders the closure of all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices.
At a Glance
- President Trump mandates the closure of all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices.
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been deployed to implement the closures effectively.
- DEI personnel are placed on paid leave as the government reassesses its inclusivity initiatives.
- Trump’s executive decision follows the precedent set by Biden’s administration promoting racial equity.
Mandate for Closing DEI Offices
The executive order from President Trump requires the closure of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices within federal agencies. Federal personnel associated with these offices are to be placed on paid leave immediately, as communicated through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The administration argues that this move aims to eliminate programs deemed discriminatory and financially wasteful.
Coordination for the DEI program termination falls on the shoulders of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Attorney General, and the Director of OPM. Agencies must document and report all existing DEI-related positions and associated expenditures to streamline this process.
🚨 BREAKING: The Trump administration has ordered every government agency to shut down their DEI offices by tomorrow at 5 PM. pic.twitter.com/fN9gIoI90z
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 22, 2025
Shifts in Federal Employment Practices
This directive not only focuses on repealing existing DEI frameworks but also seeks to realign federal employment practices. Federal employment will now emphasize individual merits such as initiative, skills, and performance, explicitly excluding DEI factors. This reflects a shift from policies put forth by the Biden administration, which advocated for racial equity and aid to underserved communities.
The transition is expected to fuel discussions regarding diversity policies in government. Some federal contractors and grantees engaging in DEI programs since January 2021 will be identified to evaluate the operational impact and costs of these initiatives. Recommendations for future policy alignment are anticipated.
Implications for Federal Policy
A severability clause in the executive order ensures that if certain sections are invalidated, the remainder of the order holds firm. Aspects such as federal oversight meetings to navigate compliance are included, though the order explicitly states it does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. entities involved.
As this directive carries forward, its influence on public sector diversity standards may yield transformative effects or redefine existing inclusivity efforts. Monthly check-ins on progress are set to monitor compliance with Trump’s DEI dismantling strategy, offering ongoing insights into governmental policy direction.