Federal DEI Employees Placed on Paid Leave by Trump Administration
In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the federal government, the Trump administration has ordered all federal employees in diversity, equity, and inclusion roles to be placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening. This directive comes as part of a larger effort to close all DEI-related offices and programs, with a deadline set for no later than 5 p.m. ET Wednesday.
The memo issued by the Office of Personnel Management on Tuesday has created a sense of urgency among heads of departments and agencies, who are now scrambling to inform their employees of the impending change. The decision to shut down DEI offices and programs, along with the removal of associated websites and social media accounts, marks a significant shift in policy.
Uncertainty Looms Over Affected Employees
As federal agencies grapple with the implications of this new directive, questions linger about the number of employees who will be affected. The memo also calls for agencies to submit a written plan for executing a reduction-in-force action regarding employees in DEI roles by Jan. 31, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Political Backlash and Support
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s decision, citing President Trump’s commitment to ending what he sees as “radical and wasteful” diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal agencies. Leavitt emphasized the administration’s focus on merit-based hiring practices, rather than considerations of race or other factors.
President Trump’s executive order on Monday, which put an end to DEI programs in federal agencies, has been met with both support and criticism. While some see it as a step towards a more equitable society, others view it as a setback for diversity and inclusion efforts in the government.
A History of Policy Changes
This latest move by the Trump administration follows a pattern of shifting policies around DEI programs. In 2020, Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal DEI programs, only to be met with actions aimed at promoting racial equality by President Joe Biden in 2021. The back-and-forth on this issue underscores the complexity of addressing diversity and inclusion in government.
As the dust settles on this latest development, the fate of federal employees in DEI roles remains uncertain. The implications of this decision will undoubtedly reverberate across the federal government, raising important questions about the future of diversity and inclusion efforts in the public sector. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.
Zoë Richards is a politics reporter for NBC News. Yamiche Alcindor contributed.
