In a swift and controversial move, the new administration under President Donald Trump has ordered the closure of all US federal diversity offices. All employees in these offices must be placed on paid administrative leave by Wednesday evening. This directive comes as part of a broader effort to rescind numerous executive orders from the previous administration, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that a memo was posted on X, instructing all department and agency heads to notify their employees by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. This memo marks the beginning of significant policy changes instituted on the first day of Trump's second term as president.
“Send a notification to all employees of DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility) offices that they are being placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately as the agency takes steps to close/end all DEIA initiatives, offices and programs,” – A US office of personnel management memo
The Trump administration's decision seeks to overturn decrees that promoted diversity and equality across various sectors, including government, workplaces, and healthcare. These decrees also supported the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. As part of this initiative, President Trump issued new executive orders that decree only two genders and ended government diversity programmes.
The administration rescinded a total of 78 executive orders, actions, and presidential memorandums issued by former President Joe Biden. These included initiatives dedicated to promoting DEI policies, which Trump had criticized during his presidential campaign, arguing that they discriminated against white people. He also voiced strong opinions against transgender individuals, particularly concerning transgender women in sports and gender-affirming care for children.
“The Biden administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the federal government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military,” – One executive order ending such initiatives
Leavitt's confirmation of the memo reinforces Trump's commitment to rolling back policies he perceives as discriminatory. By repealing numerous executive orders that promoted LGBTQ+ equality and DEI initiatives, the administration aims to reshape federal policies to align with its vision.