Trump Administration Begins Dismantling Federal Diversity Programs, Plans Layoffs

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has initiated the dismantling of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. On Tuesday, all federal DEI staff were directed to be placed on paid leave, with plans to lay them off entirely in the near future.

This move is part of a broader executive order signed on Trump’s first day in office, which aims to eliminate affirmative action in federal contracting. The order revokes a policy introduced by President Lyndon Johnson and replaces it with a strictly merit-based hiring system. Trump has described DEI initiatives as “discriminatory,” framing their removal as a step toward fairness.

Federal agencies have been instructed to cancel DEI-related training, contracts, and take down DEI-focused web pages by Wednesday. They are also required to compile lists of DEI staff and offices, with a timeline to finalize layoff plans by next week. Employees have been warned against renaming DEI programs to avoid detection, with penalties for non-compliance.

This action marks the start of a larger campaign to challenge DEI efforts across the public and private sectors. The administration has signaled its intent to investigate private companies whose diversity and hiring practices are perceived as unfair to non-minority groups, such as white men.

Critics of the move have expressed concern about its implications for workplace equality and inclusion, while supporters argue it restores a merit-based system free from bias.