President Trump’s executive order terminates federal DEI programs, impacting 395 employees and canceling $420 million in contracts.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s executive order ends all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs
- 395 government employees placed on leave, $420 million in DEI-related contracts canceled
- New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk oversees implementation
- Order aims to return to a merit-based system, reversing Biden’s DEI mandates
- Agencies must report compliance and remove all DEI-related content and offices
Trump’s Executive Order: Dismantling Federal DEI Programs
President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. The executive order, signed on his first day back in office, has far-reaching consequences for government employment and contracts. This move marks a significant shift from the policies implemented by former President Joe Biden, as Trump aims to reestablish a merit-based system within the federal government.
🚨 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 impact of this executive order is substantial. According to reports, 395 federal employees have been placed on leave, and approximately $420 million in DEI-related contracts have been canceled. These figures underscore the extensive reach of DEI initiatives within the federal government and highlight the magnitude of Trump’s policy reversal.
Implementation and Oversight
To oversee the implementation of this order, Trump has established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. This new department is tasked with ensuring the swift and thorough execution of the executive order across all federal agencies. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates” have been replaced with a directive to “Return our country to the merit system,” as stated by President Donald Trump.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a memo providing specific instructions to federal agencies. These directives include placing all DEI employees on paid leave, closing DEIA offices, removing related media, and canceling DEIA-related contracts and training programs. Agencies are required to report their compliance measures to the OPM, detailing the steps taken to implement the memo and providing comprehensive lists of DEIA offices and contracts.
Broader Implications and Additional Actions
Trump’s executive order goes beyond just dismantling DEI programs. It also rescinds former President Joe Biden’s executive order on “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” This action signals a fundamental shift in the federal government’s approach to workplace diversity and inclusion.
In addition to the DEI program termination, Trump has taken several other actions on his first week back in office. These include recognizing only two genders in federal documents and withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement. He has also issued executive actions to end race and sex-based preferences in the workplace and higher education, as well as eliminating DEI hiring priorities at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The executive order places significant emphasis on compliance and reporting. Agencies are required to inform employees about the DEI shutdown and remove all DEI-related online content. Furthermore, they must report any attempts to disguise DEI programs using coded language, ensuring that the spirit of the order is not circumvented.
By specific deadlines, agencies must provide detailed lists of DEI offices, employees, and contracts. They are also required to submit plans for reducing DEI staff. These stringent reporting requirements underscore the administration’s commitment to thoroughly dismantling the DEI infrastructure within the federal government.
As the implementation of this executive order unfolds, its effects on federal employment practices and government contracts will likely be felt across various sectors. The shift from DEI-focused initiatives to a merit-based system represents a significant change in federal policy, aligning with Trump’s campaign promises and his vision for government operations.
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Trump’s federal DEI purge puts hundreds on leave, nixes $420M in contracts
