Trump Orders Federal Agencies To Begin Firing Diversity Program Employees

The Donald Trump administration has directed federal agencies to begin eliminating positions related to diversity initiatives, following a directive earlier this week that placed these employees on paid leave.

This latest action, targeting jobs focused on fighting discrimination like racism and sexism, is part of a broader push by the 78-year-old Republican president to implement conservative policies since his return to office.

A memo from the US Office of Personnel Management instructed agency leaders to take immediate steps to terminate, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all positions within the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI/DEIA) offices and any related “environmental justice” roles within 60 days.

Earlier this week, Trump had asked government agencies to submit written plans for cutting back DEI staff by Friday.

The mention of environmental justice in the memo was a new development. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as ensuring fair treatment and involvement of all individuals in decisions related to health and the environment, regardless of factors such as income, race, ethnicity, or disability.

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump criticized DEI policies, claiming they were discriminatory against white people, particularly white men.

He also targeted transgender rights, including opposing transgender women in sports and gender-affirming treatments for minors.

Previously, Trump had dismantled policies supporting affirmative action in federal contracts, rolling back an initiative from the civil rights era.

He has also pledged to reverse policies aiding transgender individuals, advocating for the recognition of only two genders in the US.

Trump’s earlier executive orders had instructed federal agencies to probe whether DEI programs were being hidden under ambiguous language, urging department heads to inquire about any such efforts among their employees.