Trump orders shutdown of federal diversity programs

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President Donald Trump has issued an executive order mandating that all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff be placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately, with plans to shut down DEI offices across the government. The White House confirmed the move, requiring compliance by 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday.

The order, issued Tuesday, called for an end to what Trump described as “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral” DEI programs, which he claims violate civil rights laws. “This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, adding that the decision fulfills one of Trump’s key campaign promises to promote a “color-blind and merit-based” society.

Federal agencies have been instructed to submit lists of DEI staff and offices by Thursday, with plans for layoffs due by January 31. The order also revokes a civil rights-era executive order from Lyndon B. Johnson requiring federal contractors to ensure equal employment opportunities, a move critics say could undermine anti-discrimination protections in hiring.

“People are going to be ill-informed about what discrimination is and what it looks like,” said civil rights attorney Les Alderman. Union leaders and advocates have condemned the decision, with Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, arguing it undermines efforts to reduce gender and racial pay disparities.

Tuesday’s order follows related actions targeting DEI positions and programs for termination within 60 days. Critics warn the move could ripple into the private sector, where some companies have already scaled back DEI initiatives, while others, such as Apple and Target, continue to defend them.

“This will take us from underfunded DEI efforts to zero,” said political scientist Alvin Tillery, emphasizing the broader implications for equity and anti-discrimination work in the public and private sectors.