Federal employees working in DEI roles are being placed on paid leave, NBC News reports.

This course of action follows President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Just one day later, Trump issued a slew of executive orders, the highest ever recorded on a president’s first day, per ABC News.

“With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump said during his inauguration speech, according to the outlet. “It’s all about common sense.”

 

A part of Trump’s political strategy has fueled controversy surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The Trump administration solidified its agenda by announcing in a memo that it will place all federal employees in DEI positions on paid leave effective immediately, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Those impacted were to be notified “no later than 5:00pm EST on Wednesday,” as “the agency takes steps to close/end all DEIA initiatives, offices and programs,” notes CNN.

The White House further stated in the memo that DEI is not to be considered for federal contracting and is “directing federal agencies to relentlessly combat private sector discrimination,” according to the outlet.

“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin,” Leavitt said in a statement on Jan. 21, according to NBC News. “This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. Promises made, promises kept.”

Leavitt’s optimism is not felt by all, and the consequences of the massive shutdown will erase years of progress, states Attorney Ben Crump.

“The Trump administration is dismantling federal DEI programs, placing employees on leave & planning closures. This rollback undoes decades of progress toward workplace equality. We must continue fighting for a nation that values diversity & equity for all,” Crump wrote on X.

Moreover, the road to executing Trump’s orders may not be a linear journey.

“The reality of implementing such massive structural changes is far more complex. Federal agencies have deeply embedded policies and procedures that can’t simply be switched off overnight,” explained Noreen Farrell, executive director of gender rights group Equal Rights Advocates, according to The Detroit News.

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to provide formal plans for laying off the employees by Jan. 31, per NBC News.