WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move to fulfill a key campaign promise, the Trump administration has instructed the immediate placement of all federal employees involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles on paid administrative leave. This directive, issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), signals the commencement of dismantling DEI programs across federal agencies.
The OPM memo mandates that by 5 p.m. ET Wednesday, all relevant federal employees must be notified, and plans must be in place to close DEI offices, remove associated websites, and eliminate social media accounts tied to these initiatives. Federal agencies are further required to submit detailed plans by the end of January to formalize the dismissal of these employees.
This action follows an executive order signed by President Trump on Monday, aiming to terminate what he terms “radical and wasteful” DEI initiatives. This move is part of a broader strategy to pivot federal employment practices towards a so-called merit-based system, rather than diversity-focused policies.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s goal of ending DEI initiatives, stating that President Trump is committed to creating a merit-based society where individuals are hired for their skills rather than their demographic backgrounds. She hailed this decision as a triumph for Americans of all backgrounds, reiterating the administration’s commitment to its campaign promises.
While proponents of DEI argue that these programs are essential for addressing systemic inequities and fostering inclusivity within federal workplaces, critics see them as unnecessary and politically motivated. The termination of DEI programs has been a contentious issue, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights groups and advocates who warn that it could undermine progress on equity and inclusion within federal agencies.
For the time being, the Trump administration appears resolute in its determination to remove DEI from government operations, marking a significant policy shift with broad implications.