President Trump’s Executive Order abolishes radical DEI policies in federal agencies, restoring merit-based opportunity and reaffirming equal rights for all Americans
In a decisive move to protect civil rights and restore the principle of equal opportunity, President Donald Trump signed a historic Executive Order today that terminates controversial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in federal contracting and workforce practices. The order reaffirms the Constitution’s promise of colorblind equality before the law and marks the most significant federal civil rights action in decades.
Protecting Civil Rights and Ending DEI Discrimination
The Executive Order eliminates DEI-related preferences in federal hiring, promotions, and contracting, ensuring that individual merit, skills, and hard work—not arbitrary quotas or ideological mandates—guide decision-making. The key provisions include:
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- Ending DEI in Federal Operations: The order abolishes DEI preferencing in federal workforce practices, hiring, and performance reviews, redirecting the focus to individual performance and initiative.
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- Reforming Federal Contracting: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will streamline contracting processes to increase efficiency and require strict adherence to civil rights laws, barring contractors from engaging in DEI-driven discrimination.
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- Revoking Affirmative Action Mandates: It nullifies Executive Order 11246, which previously mandated affirmative action in federal contracting, and directs agencies to stop enforcing workforce balancing based on race, gender, or religion.
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- Promoting Compliance with Civil Rights Laws: Federal contractors must affirm their commitment to non-discrimination, with all agencies directed to investigate and act against DEI-based violations.
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- Educational Guidance: The Attorney General and Secretary of Education will issue guidelines to align with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.
Restoring American Values of Excellence and Hard Work
President Trump’s Executive Order emphasizes the foundational American values of individual dignity, hard work, and excellence. It dismantles what his administration calls the “anti-constitutional and deeply demeaning” equity mandates of the previous administration.
Radical DEI policies, often touted as tools for inclusion, have been criticized for fostering intergroup hostility and undermining competence-based systems. Billions of dollars have been funneled into DEI programs across federal agencies, corporations, and universities, but studies show these efforts have exacerbated prejudice rather than reducing it. President Trump’s order aims to reverse this trend and restore fairness and opportunity for all Americans.
Delivering on a Promise
Throughout his presidency, Trump vowed to end DEI practices that he described as discriminatory and damaging to America’s institutions. Today’s Executive Order fulfills that promise, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to succeed based on their talent, effort, and determination.
“Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work and competence can take them,” President Trump stated. “Excellence, grit, and determination are what make America great.”
By terminating radical DEI policies, the administration aims to reinstate the principles of fairness, justice, and opportunity for all Americans, paving the way for a future rooted in merit and individual achievement.
