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Trump Orders Federal DEI Offices to Close, Staff Placed on Leave

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Trump ends federal DEI programs with executive order, placing staff on paid leave. Agencies directed to dismantle diversity offices by January 22.

Trump Dismantles Federal DEI Programs, Orders Immediate Closure

On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order to dismantle federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This directive requires all DEI offices across federal agencies to close within 60 days.

Additionally, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memorandum instructing agencies to comply by 5 p.m. on January 22, 2025.

The executive order targets what Trump described as “radical and wasteful” initiatives. He aims to restore a merit-based system in federal hiring practices. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “This marks another victory for Americans of all backgrounds. Promises made, promises fulfilled.”

Key Directives in the Executive Order

  • Immediate Actions: All federal DEI employees will be placed on paid leave starting January 22, 2025.
  • Office Closures: Agencies must dismantle all DEI offices and remove related public-facing content by the same deadline.
  • Reduction Plans: Agencies are required to submit plans for laying off DEI staff and report expenditures related to DEI programs by next week.

Background and Broader Implications

Trump’s order reverses policies implemented during the Biden administration. These policies mandated diversity plans and established a Chief Diversity Officers Council.

Biden’s initiatives aimed to promote equity in hiring and track demographic data across the federal workforce. Trump’s new policy also calls for a review of grants and contracts tied to diversity or environmental justice programs.

This move has sparked mixed reactions. Advocates for merit-based hiring applaud the decision as a step toward fairness.

Dan Lennington of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty called it a “seismic shift” in government operations. However, critics argue it undermines efforts to address systemic inequities in federal employment and funding.

Federal DEI Closure Will Affect Approx 2.4 Million Employees

The closure of DEI offices affects approximately 2.4 million federal employees and could have broader implications for minority-focused programs nationwide. Some experts predict legal challenges as agencies navigate the dismantling of entrenched diversity initiatives.

As federal agencies begin implementing these changes, further updates are expected in the coming weeks.


Authors

  • CALISTA HARGROVE

    Calista Hargrove is the Chief Editor at NewsCentral360, having joined the team in November 2024. With a strong editorial vision and expertise in content creation, she leads the newsroom with precision and creativity. Calista’s primary focus includes contributions to TechBytes, where she covers a broad range of topics such as Technology, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Data, and IoT. Her versatility extends to Health News, showcasing her ability to deliver insightful and impactful stories across diverse domains. A graduate of MIMCJ, Calista is passionate about innovation and thrives in the ever-evolving world of journalism. Her dedication to exploring emerging tech trends and honing her craft as a digital storyteller underscores her leadership in shaping NewsCentral360’s dynamic content. When not immersed in her editorial responsibilities, Calista enjoys connecting with her readers and staying ahead of industry trends. You can reach her at calista.hargrove@newscentral360.com. She graduated from MIMCJ and is passionate about innovation, continuously seeking to grow in the dynamic field of journalism. When not immersed in content creation, Calista enjoys exploring emerging tech trends and honing her skills as a digital storyteller. You can connect with her at calista.hargrove@newscentral360.com.

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  • David Thompson

    David Thompson is a veteran world news reporter with a decade of experience covering global events and their social, political, and economic implications. His comprehensive coverage includes conflict zones, international diplomacy, and major geopolitical developments. David’s insightful analysis and in-depth reporting have earned him recognition as one of the most reliable sources for breaking news from across the globe.

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