Trump Plans Layoffs for Federal DEI Workers, Orders Policy Overhaul

Donald Trump, in his second term as president of the United States, has initiated significant administrative changes, including issuing numerous executive orders aimed at reversing policies from the previous administration. Among the key decisions announced, the Trump administration is set to eliminate all federal staff positions dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a directive requiring all DEI personnel to be placed on paid leave by 5 p.m. (UTC) Wednesday. The memo further instructed federal agencies to discontinue DEI-related training programs and terminate any existing contracts associated with these departments. Additionally, it mandated the removal of DEI-related web pages across all federal websites by the same deadline. Some agencies have already begun implementing these measures.

An executive order signed by Trump underscores his administration’s intention to dismantle federal diversity and inclusion programs. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce, with indications that layoffs for affected personnel may occur as early as next Friday. However, the total number of employees impacted by this decision has not been disclosed.

As of now, the Trump administration has not issued a formal statement regarding the scale of these layoffs or their potential impact. The decision to cancel DEI programs and cut associated positions marks a significant shift in federal policy, reversing initiatives implemented during the Biden administration.

This development follows Trump’s earlier actions to rescind 78 executive orders issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, reflecting a broader strategy to realign federal policies with the new administration’s priorities. The move has drawn attention domestically and internationally, as it signals a major policy shift within the U.S. government.