President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government, marking a significant policy shift from the previous administration’s focus on equity-based initiatives.
The order, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” directs all federal agencies to terminate DEI-related initiatives and positions, including Chief Diversity Officer roles, equity action plans, and funding allocations associated with environmental justice efforts.
Trump’s executive action asserts that such programs have resulted in “immense public waste and shameful discrimination.”
READ: President Trump Signs Executive Order Defining Federal Gender Policies “Only Two Sexes”
According to the executive order, the federal government must now:
- Terminate DEI Programs: Agencies are instructed to dismantle all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs within 60 days, including grants, contracts, and performance requirements tied to DEI objectives.
- Eliminate DEI Positions: Federal departments must abolish all DEI-related positions and assess the operational impact and costs incurred under the Biden administration’s DEI policies.
- Audit Past DEI Spending: Each agency must provide the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with detailed reports on DEI-related expenses and whether any such initiatives have been rebranded to circumvent elimination.
- Restore Merit-Based Federal Employment: Performance reviews and hiring practices will prioritize “individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work,” without considering DEI factors.
President Trump justified the sweeping changes by claiming that DEI policies promoted discrimination and inefficiency in government operations.
“Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect, not dividing them by race or identity,” Trump stated while signing the order in the Oval Office. “We are putting an end to taxpayer-funded programs that promote radical and divisive agendas.”
The executive order places significant responsibilities on the Director of OMB, the Attorney General, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to oversee the immediate dismantling of DEI programs and policies.
The directive also calls for:
- A monthly progress meeting led by the White House’s Domestic Policy Office to track compliance and identify areas requiring further presidential or legislative intervention.
- A review of federal grants and contracts, ensuring that taxpayer funds are not allocated toward DEI initiatives.
- A directive for agencies to align policies with principles of equal treatment without preference based on race, gender, or other identity factors.
Federal agencies are expected to begin the dismantling process immediately, with a full report due to the White House within 60 days. Observers are closely watching whether Congress will attempt to intervene legislatively or if further executive actions will follow.
READ: President Trump Issues Pardons For 1,500 Jan. 6 Defendants In First Hours Of Presidency
President Trump’s administration has signaled that additional actions aimed at reversing Biden-era policies in other sectors, including education and healthcare, are forthcoming.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.