Trump Administration Moves to end Federal Diversity Programs and Affirmative Action in Contracting

The administration of former President Donald Trump has taken steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies and eliminate affirmative action in federal contracting. The actions are part of a broader push to promote what Trump describes as “merit-based” hiring practices, with sweeping implications for federal and private sector policies.

 

Key Measures Introduced
An executive order issued by Trump on Monday revokes directives implemented by previous administrations to foster diversity and equity. The order specifically targets initiatives such as anti-bias training, minority-focused grants, and DEI roles within the federal workforce.

The Office of Personnel Management has instructed federal agencies to place DEI staff on paid leave by Wednesday and to remove all DEI-related materials from public access. Agencies are also required to report existing DEI programs and personnel, with plans for eventual layoffs as part of a “reduction-in-force action.”

 

Shift in Federal Grant and Contract Policies
Trump’s executive order calls for a government-wide review of contracts and grants to ensure compliance with the administration’s anti-DEI stance. Conservative activists have criticized existing programs, claiming they unfairly favor minority groups and women.

The move sets the stage for significant changes in federal spending, including potential rollbacks of initiatives like grants for minority farmers or assistance for underserved communities.

 

Impact on Hiring and Pay Practices
While the full scope of changes remains unclear, the administration could reverse policies implemented under President Joe Biden. These include bans on using salary history during hiring and efforts to promote equitable pay. Critics argue that these rollbacks risk deepening disparities in the workplace.

 

Legal and Practical Challenges
Experts predict that unwinding entrenched DEI programs and policies will be complex and could face legal challenges. Advocacy groups have already voiced opposition, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in fostering inclusion and addressing systemic inequities.

The administration of former President Donald Trump has taken steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies and eliminate affirmative action in federal contracting. The actions are part of a broader push to promote what Trump describes as “merit-based” hiring practices, with sweeping implications for federal and private sector policies.

 

Key Measures Introduced
An executive order issued by Trump on Monday revokes directives implemented by previous administrations to foster diversity and equity. The order specifically targets initiatives such as anti-bias training, minority-focused grants, and DEI roles within the federal workforce.

The Office of Personnel Management has instructed federal agencies to place DEI staff on paid leave by Wednesday and to remove all DEI-related materials from public access. Agencies are also required to report existing DEI programs and personnel, with plans for eventual layoffs as part of a “reduction-in-force action.”

 

Shift in Federal Grant and Contract Policies
Trump’s executive order calls for a government-wide review of contracts and grants to ensure compliance with the administration’s anti-DEI stance. Conservative activists have criticized existing programs, claiming they unfairly favor minority groups and women.

The move sets the stage for significant changes in federal spending, including potential rollbacks of initiatives like grants for minority farmers or assistance for underserved communities.

 

Impact on Hiring and Pay Practices
While the full scope of changes remains unclear, the administration could reverse policies implemented under President Joe Biden. These include bans on using salary history during hiring and efforts to promote equitable pay. Critics argue that these rollbacks risk deepening disparities in the workplace.

 

Legal and Practical Challenges
Experts predict that unwinding entrenched DEI programs and policies will be complex and could face legal challenges. Advocacy groups have already voiced opposition, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in fostering inclusion and addressing systemic inequities.

 

Broader Context
This move follows Trump’s first-term efforts to curtail diversity training among federal contractors, an order rescinded by Biden in 2021. The new measures reflect an intensified approach to reshaping federal policy on diversity, with potential ripple effects across the private sector.

Critics warn that the rollback undermines progress toward inclusivity, while Trump and his allies frame it as a necessary correction to what they perceive as “reverse discrimination.” The debate underscores ongoing tensions around diversity policies in governance and beyond.

This move follows Trump’s first-term efforts to curtail diversity training among federal contractors, an order rescinded by Biden in 2021. The new measures reflect an intensified approach to reshaping federal policy on diversity, with potential ripple effects across the private sector.

Critics warn that the rollback undermines progress toward inclusivity, while Trump and his allies frame it as a necessary correction to what they perceive as “reverse discrimination.” The debate underscores ongoing tensions around diversity policies in governance and beyond.