Trump Administration Targets DEI Programs In Federal Agencies, Directs US Agencies To Terminate Diversity Staff

US President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday directed federal agencies to terminate positions related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) within 60 days. A memo from the US Office of Personnel Management on Friday detailed the plan, which follows earlier actions to place affected staffers on paid leave.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump ordered agency heads to submit plans for reducing DEI-related positions. Additionally, federal leaders were instructed to identify any covert efforts to continue such programs under different labels.

Trump has consistently criticised DEI initiatives, accusing them of discriminating against white men and promoting what he calls "radical" affirmative action. During his 2024 campaign, he condemned federal and corporate DEI efforts, along with policies recognising gender diversity. His administration has already revoked affirmative action measures for federal contracts, some of which dated back to the civil rights era of the 1960s.

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"Each agency, department, or commission head shall take action to terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law, all DEI, DEIA, and 'environmental justice' offices and positions within 60 days," said a memo from the US Office of Personnel Management, referring to jobs aimed at boosting "diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility."

The move, part of a broader rollback of policies addressing discrimination such as racism and sexism, includes terminating offices associated with environmental justice. This concept, defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emphasises equitable treatment in decisions affecting human health and the environment, regardless of race, income or other factors.

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The president has also pledged to restrict recognition of gender diversity, advocating for official recognition of only two genders and opposing transgender-inclusive policies. These include restrictions on transgender athletes and bans on gender-affirming care for children.

(With Agency Inputs)