On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating all federal employees working in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) roles be placed on paid administrative leave by January 22. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle DEIA programs across federal agencies.
The directive includes:
- Suspending DEIA staff and eliminating DEIA-related materials from federal websites.
- Requiring agencies to submit detailed reports on DEIA offices and staff.
- Developing plans for workforce reductions targeting DEIA positions by month-end.
- Reviewing federal grants and contracts for compliance with the administration’s new policies.
The Trump administration views these programs as discriminatory and embedded during the Biden presidency. It has also signaled potential scrutiny of private sector DEIA practices, including hiring and training policies.
This controversial decision is expected to face pushback due to bipartisan support for some diversity initiatives and the widespread integration of DEIA programs into federal operations.
