Trump Orders Immediate Paid Leave for All US Government Diversity Staff

 

President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order mandating that all US government staff involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs be placed on immediate paid administrative leave.

In the order signed late Tuesday, Trump described DEI initiatives as "dangerous, demeaning, and immoral," calling for their complete shutdown. Federal agencies were instructed to comply by 5:00 PM EST (10:00 PM GMT) on Wednesday.

The executive order marks a significant step in Trump’s rapid fulfillment of campaign promises since re-assuming office. He frequently criticized DEI initiatives during his campaign, asserting they promote discrimination under the guise of equity.

DEI programs aim to increase workplace inclusion for underrepresented groups, addressing historical inequities. Advocates argue they combat systemic discrimination, while critics claim such initiatives foster reverse discrimination and undermine merit-based systems.

In his inaugural address on Monday, Trump vowed to establish a "color-blind and merit-based" society, framing DEI as antithetical to these principles. The executive order accuses DEI policies of violating civil rights laws, rejecting "traditional values" and promoting "identity-based spoils systems" that threaten national unity.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hailed the move as a "victory for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds," emphasizing its alignment with Trump’s campaign promises.

A memo from the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed federal agencies to remove DEI-related public resources, cease factoring DEI in hiring and promotions, and compile lists of DEI offices and employees by Thursday. Agencies must submit plans for laying off DEI staff by January 31.

The order also rescinds a 1965 directive by President Lyndon B. Johnson, which prohibited federal contractors from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Additionally, the attorney general has 120 days to recommend measures for encouraging private-sector organizations to discontinue DEI initiatives.

This order follows another signed Monday, which sets a 60-day deadline for terminating all DEI offices and programs. It remains unclear how many federal employees will be impacted by these directives.

The move reflects a broader trend in the private sector, where companies like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Meta have scaled back DEI efforts. However, others, including Apple, Target, and Costco, have maintained strong public support for their diversity programs.