President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, January 21st, eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. The administration described the order as a step to protect civil rights and merit-based opportunities. It halts DEI-related practices in federal hiring, promotions, and contracting.
The order directs federal agencies to terminate DEI offices, place affected employees on paid administrative leave and cancel DEI-related training and contracts. It also requires agencies to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws by focusing on individual performance, skills, and merit rather than demographic factors.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memorandum to agencies outlining steps for implementing the directive. Agency heads were instructed to immediately close DEI offices, withdraw DEI-related policies, and report their actions to OPM by Thursday, January 23rd. By January 31st, agencies must submit plans for potential workforce reductions linked to DEI program closures.
“Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work, individual initiative, and competence can take them,” the administration stated.
The executive order also revokes Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action in federal contracting. It bars the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs from requiring contractors to balance their workforce based on race, gender, or other demographic factors. Instead, contractors must certify their compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
The decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which limited race-based considerations in higher education admissions. In response, the executive order directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to provide guidance ensuring compliance with the court’s decision.
The administration emphasized that the order reaffirms values such as hard work, individual dignity, and excellence, which it says have been undermined by DEI initiatives. Agencies are expected to fully implement the changes in the coming weeks.
