The Trump administration has mandated that all federal employees working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles be placed on administrative leave by Wednesday evening, with agencies required to devise plans to terminate these positions by the end of the month.
This directive, issued via a memorandum from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Tuesday, marks a significant reversal of the DEI policies instituted by the previous administration. The memo demands immediate action, giving federal agencies until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to suspend DEI employees with paid leave and remove all online content related to DEI offices. By January 31, agencies are expected to submit comprehensive plans for a “reduction-in-force” targeting these positions.
The memorandum further orders the cancellation of all DEI-related training and contracts. Additionally, federal employees are encouraged to report any programs that might be attempting to continue DEI efforts under alternative labels, warning of “adverse consequences” for failing to comply.
The exact number of federal employees impacted by these changes remains unclear. However, the White House has framed the move as a positive development for the country.
“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit-based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Tuesday night.
President Trump, during his campaign, made dismantling DEI initiatives a central promise, claiming such programs undermine fairness and meritocracy. On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at closing all federal DEI offices, describing them as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”
The broader Republican movement has frequently targeted DEI programs as part of an effort to oppose what they label as “woke” policies. Critics argue that these initiatives promote reverse discrimination and exacerbate racial divisions. For instance, during the election, some used “DEI hire” accusations as a pointed critique of Vice President Kamala Harris, implying her position was influenced by such policies.
Advocates for DEI, however, contend that these programs are essential tools for fostering equality in education and workplaces. They argue that DEI initiatives help diversify recruitment and retention efforts, allowing organizations to draw talent from nontraditional backgrounds. While acknowledging that DEI efforts may have imperfections, proponents emphasize their role in creating more equitable opportunities across various sectors.