Trump Moves To Scrap ‘Dangerous And Immoral’ Diversity Schemes.
In his first full day back in the White House, President Donald Trump has taken decisive action against what he describes as “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral” diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) schemes. With a stroke of his pen, Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling these practices across federal agencies.
In a memo issued by the US Office of Personnel Management, obtained by CBS, the BBC’s US partner, federal agencies were instructed to place all employees in DEIA roles on paid leave by 17:00 local time (22:00 GMT) on Wednesday. This directive hints at a forthcoming reduction in force for these positions, signalling a significant shift in federal employment policy.
Trump’s actions follow his campaign promises to eradicate what he perceived as discriminatory hiring practices against white people. His executive order is part of a broader initiative to reshape the federal government’s approach to diversity and inclusion, which he critiqued repeatedly on the campaign trail.
The ripple effects of Trump’s policy are already visible in the private sector. Since his election, several major US corporations, including McDonald’s, Walmart, and Meta, have either scaled back or completely discontinued their own Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Conversely, companies like Apple, Target, and Costco have stood firm, publicly endorsing their commitment to such initiatives.
During a press conference, Trump defended his decision to pardon nearly 1,600 supporters charged in connection with the 2021 US Capitol riot, stating, “Their lives have been ruined.” He also hinted at imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese imports as early as next week, citing issues with the flow of fentanyl through Mexico and Canada.
This aggressive start to Trump’s second term has sparked a wide array of reactions, with supporters praising his commitment to what they see as merit-based employment, while critics argue that such moves could undo years of progress towards workplace equity and inclusion.
The President’s actions underscore a clear intent to realign federal policy with his vision of a “colorblind and merit-based society,” a theme central to his inaugural address. As federal agencies now scramble to comply with the new directives, the long-term impact on both public sector employment and the broader cultural landscape of diversity and inclusion in the United States remains to be seen.