Trump Administration Moves to Eliminate Diversity Staff Across Federal Agencies

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In a sweeping directive, President Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to terminate staff working in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs. This move, which follows a previous order placing these employees on paid leave, is part of a broader agenda aimed at dismantling what Trump describes as "radical" affirmative action programs established during the civil rights movement.

According to a memo from the US Office of Personnel Management, agency leaders have been instructed to take action to eliminate DEIA positions within 60 days. Trump's administration has long criticized diversity initiatives, arguing that they discriminate against white individuals, particularly men. The directive also mentions a focus on "environmental justice," a new term in this context, which emphasizes equitable treatment of all communities in environmental decision-making.

Trump's actions build on previous commitments to revoke policies that support gender diversity and transgender rights, including a pledge to officially recognize only two genders. He has also encouraged agency heads to report any perceived attempts to obscure such diversity programs using ambiguous language.

As this situation develops, federal agencies will be working to adhere to the new guidelines, marking a significant shift in the approach to diversity initiatives within the government.

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