The Trump administration has ordered all federal employees in diversity, equity, and inclusion roles to be placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening, as part of an effort to shut down DEI programs in federal agencies. President Trump signed an executive order ending such programs, stating that he campaigned on returning America to a merit-based society. The White House press secretary hailed it as a win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. It is unclear how many employees will be affected by this decision. Trump also signed executive orders addressing other campaign pledges, including ending Biden-era border policies and pardoning Capitol rioters. This move continues efforts made by Trump near the end of his first term when he prohibited federal DEI programs. President Biden, on the other hand, signed actions aimed at bolstering racial equality shortly after taking office in 2021. The memo asks federal agencies to submit a plan by January 31 for dismissing the affected employees and closing all DEI-related offices and programs. Trump’s actions in the first days of his second administration are consistent with his previous stance on ending DEI programs, while Biden has taken steps to support diversity and inclusion initiatives.
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All federal DEI employees directed by Trump to go on paid leave
