On Monday, an incoming official from the Trump administration confirmed that the newly elected President Donald Trump will take immediate action on his first day in office to dismantle federal government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The much-anticipated executive order, which is expected to be signed as soon as Trump takes the oath of office, is set to create sweeping changes across federal agencies.
The executive order will direct key agencies such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to coordinate with federal agencies and eliminate all DEI initiatives. These include programs related to environmental justice, equity-focused grants, and any related action plans or initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the federal workforce.
The stated goal of the executive action is to create a system of “equal treatment” within federal government operations, signaling a stark departure from the previous administration’s approach to DEI policies. President Trump, who has been an outspoken critic of DEI initiatives, views these programs as divisive and counterproductive. During his first term in office, he issued an executive order in September 2020 that restricted diversity training in federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients. Trump argued that DEI programs promoted racial stereotypes and unnecessary divisions within American society.
In contrast, President Joe Biden’s administration took a different stance, emphasizing the importance of tackling systemic racism and pushing for a government-wide equity agenda. Trump’s forthcoming action directly rescinds the DEI policies that were implemented under Biden, including those that aimed to address disparities in various sectors.
While the executive order focuses solely on federal government actions, Trump’s administration hinted that more moves against DEI policies could be forthcoming in the private sector. A Trump official suggested that businesses should “wait and see” for future directives that may address DEI in private enterprises as well. “Private business should wait and see. We have more actions on DEI very soon,” the official remarked during a press call.
The executive order is expected to overhaul many of the diversity-related initiatives that have become commonplace within federal agencies under the Biden administration. Trump’s focus on terminating these programs aligns with his broader criticism of what he perceives as government overreach in addressing racial issues. The move is also likely to stir significant debate, as supporters of DEI initiatives view such actions as a rollback of crucial efforts to foster inclusion and equality.
The debate surrounding DEI policies is likely to intensify as Trump takes office. For many, the issue is emblematic of broader ideological divides, with Trump and his supporters framing DEI initiatives as unnecessary and divisive, while opponents argue that such programs are vital for promoting equality and rectifying historical injustices.
On his first day in office, President Biden had emphasized the human cost of systemic racism and endorsed a comprehensive equity agenda, signaling his support for DEI initiatives. Trump’s actions now challenge that vision, setting the stage for a continued battle over how best to address racial disparities in America.
As President Trump prepares to sign his executive order, the implications for DEI programs across the federal government are clear: it will be a dramatic shift away from the policies that sought to address inequalities and foster inclusion. Whether or not this move will set a new tone for DEI practices in the private sector remains to be seen, but it’s clear that this action is only the beginning of a larger conversation about the future of diversity and inclusion in America.