Layoffs Impend as Trump orders Federal DEI workers to be put on Leave
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order placing all federal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) staff on immediate paid leave, marking the first step in what his administration characterizes as a broader effort to “reset” DEI initiatives across the federal government.
Trump, who has long been critical of diversity programs, said the move is aimed at “eliminating bureaucratic overreach and reining in ideologically driven policies.” Conservative allies applauded the action, saying that current DEI efforts often disadvantage non-minority groups, such as white men. Critics, however, warned the decision could dismantle essential protections and programs intended to foster workplace inclusion.
“This is about restoring merit-based hiring and promotion,” Trump said in a brief statement. “For too long, these DEI programs have operated unchecked, imposing unfair mandates on hardworking Americans.”
Under the order, departments and agencies must identify and place on immediate leave any personnel primarily responsible for implementing or overseeing DEI initiatives. The White House provided few details about the administrative process or possible layoffs, but a senior Trump adviser said additional directives would follow, including a full review of all DEI-related federal contracts and grant programs.
Civil rights groups and advocates for workplace equity denounced the executive order, arguing that it risks undermining efforts to recruit and retain workers from diverse backgrounds.
“Putting these staff members on leave effectively stalls progress toward ensuring fairness in federal workplaces,” said Maya Green, president of the nonprofit American Inclusion Coalition. “DEI programs help create environments where all employees are valued. To dismantle them suggests a return to outdated policies.”
Conservative organizations cheered the move as a course correction. “Many of these DEI programs have gone from promoting inclusion to mandating preferences,” said Scott Lawrence, a policy analyst at the Conservative Policy Center. “We support equal opportunity for all Americans, and ending government-backed discrimination is a step in the right direction.”
Administration officials said they plan to roll out new guidelines in the coming weeks, which may include restrictions on DEI training and a reassessment of existing hiring goals aimed at diversifying the federal workforce. Although Trump’s aides did not specify how long DEI staff would remain on leave, it is expected that the measure is a prelude to broader policy changes like layoffs and the elimination of certain diversity-related job categories.
Trump has frequently criticized federal diversity initiatives, claiming they contribute to a “culture of political correctness.” During his previous administration, he signed an executive order that limited certain diversity training materials, but it was later rescinded by President Joe Biden. Observers note that Wednesday’s move is a more sweeping approach.
Democrats and civil rights advocates vowed to fight the order in court, calling it an overreach that violates employee rights and undermines longstanding federal commitments to equitable treatment. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., described the decision as “an assault on America’s commitment to fairness and opportunity.”
The executive order signals a renewed national debate over the role of government in promoting workplace diversity. Supporters of DEI efforts say these initiatives help address historical imbalances and create more inclusive, productive environments. Opponents counter that such programs can become too prescriptive or discriminatory.
Political analysts note the move is likely to be a flashpoint in upcoming elections and could be challenged by legal scholars who question whether the sweeping directive respects employees’ rights under federal employment law.
Despite the polarizing reactions, Trump’s team insists that placing DEI staff on leave is only the beginning. In a statement, the administration says “additional actions to safeguard fairness in federal employment” are forthcoming.
The order took effect immediately, though federal agencies were advised to issue specific instructions to employees within seven days. It remains unclear how many staff members will be affected and what the ultimate impact will be on federal hiring and retention.
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