
The Trump administration has ordered the immediate closure of all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, marking a significant shift in government policy.
At a Glance
- All federal DEI offices ordered to close by end of day Wednesday
- DEI employees to be placed on paid leave
- Agencies must remove all DEI-related content and cancel trainings
- Trump administration describes DEI programs as “illegal and immoral discrimination”
- Move aligns with broader trend of scaling back DEI initiatives in public and private sectors
Immediate Closure of DEI Offices
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a directive to all federal agencies, instructing them to shut down their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices by the end of the day Wednesday. This sweeping action comes as part of President Trump’s executive order aimed at dismantling what his administration views as discriminatory and unnecessary initiatives within the federal government.
Under the new directive, government workers in DEI offices are to be placed on paid leave effective immediately. Agencies have been instructed to notify employees of the closure and remove all DEI-related media and documents from their operations. Additionally, all DEI-related trainings and contracts are to be canceled.
Reporting Requirements and Deadlines
The OPM has set strict deadlines for agencies to comply with the new order. By Thursday, agencies must report to OPM with comprehensive lists of DEI offices, employees, and contracts. Furthermore, by Friday, agencies are required to submit plans for reducing DEI office staff and identify any changes made to obscure DEI connections.
“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Agencies have also been instructed to take offline all DEI-related websites and social media accounts by the specified deadline. The OPM has requested agencies to report any attempts to disguise DEI programs with vague language by January 31, warning that employees failing to report renamed DEI programs may face adverse consequences.
Trump’s Executive Order and Broader Implications
The directive follows President Trump’s executive order to eliminate DEI programs from the federal government. In addition to closing DEI offices, Trump has signed an order recognizing only two genders and issued actions against race- and sex-based preferences in DEI initiatives.
“The official policy of the U.S. government to only recognize two genders: male and female,” President Trump said.
The executive order emphasizes civil-rights protections and criticizes DEI policies as violating these laws. Trump’s memo specifically targets DEI hiring practices at the Federal Aviation Administration, advocating for merit-based hiring instead.
Private Sector Response and Public Opinion
This move by the federal government aligns with a broader trend where both public and private sectors are retreating from DEI efforts. Companies like Meta, Amazon, McDonald’s, and Walmart have been scaling back their DEI programs in response to recent political and legal developments.
“This is another win for Americans of all races, religions and creeds. Promises made, promises kept,” Leavitt added.