Ending Government DEI (E.O. 14151)

Summary

Stops all government programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, calling them wasteful and discriminatory.

What problem does this solve?

The previous administration created many "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" (DEI) programs that this order calls wasteful and discriminatory. This order ends these DEI programs, offices, and jobs to make sure the government treats everyone equally and spends taxpayer money wisely.

What does this order do?

Terminates all DEI programs

Directs the heads of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), along with the Attorney General, to end all DEI and DEIA programs across the federal government.

Eliminates DEI offices and jobs

Requires every federal agency to close all DEI, DEIA, and 'environmental justice' offices and get rid of related jobs, like 'Chief Diversity Officer,' within sixty days.

Changes federal hiring and job reviews

Requires a review of all federal job practices and union contracts to remove DEI rules. Job reviews must reward skill and hard work, not DEI goals.

Requires agencies to report on DEI spending

Orders all agencies to give the OMB a list of all DEI jobs, programs, budgets, and spending that existed on November 4, 2024.

Establishes monthly progress meetings

Creates a monthly meeting for top government officials to report on the costs of past DEI programs and track progress on removing them.

Who does this affect?

Federal government employees
Federal agencies
Government contractors and grant recipients

What is the real world impact?

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Reverses progress on equity initiatives

Stops efforts designed to address historical and ongoing inequality in the federal workforce and government services. Critics may argue this action could make the government less inclusive and fair for people from underserved communities.

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Promotes merit-based government

Aims to shift the federal government's focus back to individual skills and hard work in hiring and promotions, rather than group identity factors. The goal is to eliminate what it calls discriminatory practices and wasteful spending on DEI initiatives.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets a 60-day deadline for agencies to take specific actions.

Agency actions to end DEI

Within 60 days of January 20, 2025, all agency heads must end DEI offices, jobs, and programs.