In a significant policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to dismantle the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives introduced by his predecessor, Joe Biden. The decision aligns with the Trump administration’s broader stance against progressive policies, with officials arguing that DEI measures undermine merit-based systems and promote divisive identity politics.
Echoing this sentiment, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced he would skip the G20 Summit in South Africa, criticizing its emphasis on "solidarity, equality, & sustainability"—which he equated with DEI and climate change—two issues that the administration has actively opposed.
What is DEI?
DEI policies aim to foster workplace diversity, ensure fair treatment, and promote inclusivity. Biden’s 2021 executive order on DEI in the federal workforce defined these principles as:
Diversity: Recognizing and including various racial, ethnic, and cultural identities.
Equity: Ensuring fairness in opportunities, particularly for historically disadvantaged communities.
Inclusion: Valuing diverse talents and skills across all backgrounds.
The push for DEI gained momentum after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, with corporations and government institutions pledging to address systemic inequalities.
Why is Trump Rolling Back DEI?
Trump and his supporters argue that DEI policies prioritize identity over merit and discriminate against white Americans. Some conservative voices blame DEI for unrelated issues—most recently, Trump controversially linked a mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter to diversity-focused hiring practices, though no evidence supports this claim.
The Trump administration has already dismantled affirmative action in college admissions, with the Supreme Court striking down race-based considerations in 2023.
Major Executive Orders on DEI
Trump signed two key executive orders targeting DEI:
EO 14151 - “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs”Orders federal agencies to dismantle DEI initiatives.
Mandates reporting of all employees working in DEI or “environmental justice” roles.
EO 141713 - “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”Removes DEI-based hiring incentives in government contracts.
Modifies the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act to discourage affirmative action.
Corporate Response: DEI Rollbacks and Resistance
U.S. corporations are divided on DEI under Trump’s policies. Meta, Amazon, and Google have scaled back diversity programs, while Apple, Costco, Goldman Sachs, and Cisco have reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive hiring. Companies like McDonald’s have rebranded their DEI initiatives to avoid political backlash.
Does India Have DEI Policies?
While DEI originated in the U.S. civil rights movement, India has long-standing affirmative action policies aimed at uplifting historically marginalized communities.
Constitutional reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) have existed since 1950.The Mandal Commission of 1990 introduced quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Workplace inclusivity efforts have gained traction in India following movements like #MeToo and the decriminalization of homosexuality (Section 377).
What’s Next?
Trump’s DEI rollback marks a significant ideological shift, fueling debates on meritocracy, inclusion, and equal opportunity. With corporations split on the issue, the future of workplace diversity in the U.S. remains uncertain, as businesses weigh political pressures against long-term inclusivity goals.
