On Friday, some government webpages went dark after federal agencies were instructed to comply with a White House order removing certain language relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Federal Aviation Administration, Census Bureau, and Justice Department were among those affected, but the FAA and Justice Department later came back online. President Donald Trump signed an executive order recognizing only male and female genders. The Office of Personnel Management distributed a memo instructing the removal of references to “gender ideology” by 5 p.m. Friday.
The Trump administration has removed numerous webpages from federal health agencies including the CDC, FDA, and NIH. Pages related to HIV data, racial disparities, transgender individuals, and the “Ending the HIV Epidemic” plan were deleted. Websites for the U.S. Agency for International Development were also affected, as employees were directed to cease DEI efforts within military and civilian agencies.
The HHS website reproductiverights.gov, containing information on reproductive care, was removed. The CDC began removing gender identity-related content on Friday, and information on contraception and emergency contraception was among the missing pages. Trump had previously stated he would not restrict medication abortions during his second term. In December, an email from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management emphasized recognizing only two sexes, male and female. The removal of these webpages and changes in language reflect the administration’s stance on gender and reproductive rights.
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