Trump Orders Immediate Shutdown of Federal DEI Programs
The Facts
The Trump administration on Tuesday directed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employees to be placed on immediate paid administrative leave by Jan. 22, 5 pm ET, with their offices to be closed as part of a broader initiative to dismantle federal DEI programs.
Federal agency heads have been instructed to provide written plans for executing staff reductions of DEI office employees by Jan. 31 while also being required to remove DEI-related websites and social media accounts and cancel any related training programs.
The Spin
Republican narrative
The DEI programs represent illegal discrimination and wasteful spending that corrupts institutions by replacing merit-based systems with preferential treatment. These initiatives have infiltrated virtually all aspects of the federal government, creating divisive hierarchies instead of promoting genuine equality and hard work.
Republican narrative
The dismantling of DEI programs threatens decades of progress in addressing systemic barriers and promoting equal access for historically marginalized communities. These initiatives were designed to ensure federal workforce representation reflects America's diversity and to eliminate structural barriers to full participation.
