U.S. President Trump has issued an executive order to terminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Attorney General to eliminate DEI-related mandates, offices, and policies across federal agencies. It also revokes Executive Order 13985, issued by the previous administration, which had required agencies to adopt equity-focused policies. The directive mandates a review of all federal employment practices to ensure hiring and performance evaluations are based solely on individual merit, skills, and effort rather than DEI considerations. Agencies must submit reports detailing DEI-related expenditures, positions, and programs established since January 2021.
The executive order requires agencies to identify and terminate DEI-related contracts, grants, and training programs. It also establishes a monthly review process led by the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to assess the economic and operational impact of past DEI initiatives. The administration asserts that these measures aim to eliminate wasteful spending and ensure federal resources are used to serve all Americans equitably. The order further clarifies that any remaining DEI or environmental justice programs that have been rebranded to avoid detection must also be discontinued.
