On his first full day back in office, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered all federal employees working in diversity offices to be placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening, signaling the beginning of his administration’s aggressive policy shift against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move follows through on Trump’s campaign promises to dismantle what he views as discriminatory practices against white individuals, particularly men.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the order, stating, “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.” She described this action as a victory for all Americans, emphasizing Trump’s commitment to keeping his campaign promises.
In addition to this, Trump has taken a confrontational stance against gender diversity, particularly transgender issues, and has signed several executive orders in his first 24 hours to reverse policies from the previous administration on immigration, gender, and climate change. His actions included pardoning over a thousand supporters, including those from the Capitol riot, and targeting political opponents.
Clash with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde:
During the inaugural service at the Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde publicly criticized Trump for stoking fear among immigrants and the LGBTQ community. She asked for mercy for those communities, which led to Trump labeling her “nasty” on his Truth Social platform. He demanded an apology, calling her service “very boring and uninspiring” and accusing her of being a “Trump hater.”
Policy Actions:
Trump has enacted measures to suspend asylum seekers’ arrivals, expel undocumented migrants, and recognize only two biological sexes, explicitly excluding transgender recognition. An Office of Personnel Management (OPM) memo detailed the immediate cessation of DEI initiatives, including the placement of DEI office employees on leave, with plans for further actions like “reduction-in-force” by Friday.
The administration’s approach has sparked controversy, with critics labeling these moves as “shameful discrimination.” The memo from acting OPM director Charles Ezell required agencies to cancel all DEI programs, terminate related contracts, and remove any online presence promoting these initiatives by Wednesday evening.
Trump’s aggressive start to his second term also touches on international relations, with threats of tariffs against the EU and potential trade actions against China over the fentanyl crisis. His policies aim to reshape the domestic and international landscape dramatically, as he promised during his campaign to usher in a “new golden age” for America.
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