Trump Just Fired All DEI Hires

(Scypre.com) – President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government, issuing an executive order that mandates the immediate placement of all DEI personnel on paid administrative leave. The White House confirmed that federal DEI employees were required to be on leave by 5:00 PM EST (10:00 PM GMT) on Wednesday, as a precursor to the closure of related offices and programs.

The executive order, signed on Tuesday, denounced DEI programs as “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral,” marking a significant policy shift in Trump’s administration. Since his return to office earlier this week, the president has swiftly executed a series of executive actions targeting campaign promises, with DEI programs being a frequent subject of his criticism. Trump has argued that such initiatives are discriminatory and contrary to the principles of merit-based advancement.

DEI programs are designed to foster inclusive workplaces by encouraging participation from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Supporters argue these initiatives help to rectify historical injustices and systemic discrimination against marginalized groups, including racial minorities. However, critics contend that DEI programs can inadvertently promote reverse discrimination and undermine meritocratic principles.

In his inaugural address, Trump underscored his vision for a “color-blind and merit-based” society, signaling his administration’s commitment to ending affirmative action-style initiatives. A memo obtained by CBS News, originating from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, instructed federal agencies to implement the president’s directive by placing DEI employees on leave and removing related content from public websites.

By Thursday, agencies are expected to submit comprehensive lists detailing DEI personnel and offices. Additionally, agencies have until January 31 to provide a detailed plan for phasing out DEI-related roles and operations. The executive order characterizes DEI and DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) policies as “illegal,” asserting they contravene established civil rights laws designed to prevent discrimination.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the executive order, describing it as “a victory for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds” and a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign pledges. The order stipulates that federal hiring, promotions, and performance evaluations should emphasize individual initiative and qualifications, rather than DEI-related factors.

The order also revokes a landmark 1965 executive order issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson, which prohibited federal contractors from engaging in discriminatory hiring practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Furthermore, the order directs the attorney general to propose measures within 120 days that encourage the private sector to phase out DEI programs.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing approximately 800,000 federal workers, expressed strong opposition to the administration’s actions. “Diversity programs have played a crucial role in reducing gender and racial pay disparities within the federal workforce,” stated AFGE National President Everett Kelley. He further argued that dismantling these initiatives could undermine the integrity of the federal civil service and lead to politically motivated hiring practices.

This move follows another executive order signed on Monday, which aims to eliminate so-called “radical and wasteful” DEI programs within 60 days, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The total number of federal employees affected by these orders remains uncertain.

The private sector has also been reevaluating DEI commitments in recent months. High-profile corporations such as McDonald’s, Walmart, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, have scaled back their diversity initiatives. Conversely, companies like Apple, Target, and Costco continue to advocate for their DEI programs, emphasizing their commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces.

As the administration moves forward with its sweeping reforms, the impact of these policy changes on workplace diversity and federal hiring practices is expected to be closely scrutinized by both supporters and opponents of DEI initiatives.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *