Government Agencies Bypass Trump’s EO, Sneak DEI Initiatives Under the Radar


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President Donald Trump has returned to the White House with a firm resolve to implement his campaign promises swiftly. On his first day back in office, he signed 26 executive orders—a record number since 1937.

With these actions, the policies of the previous administration and the presidency of Joe Biden have been effectively dismantled, leaving them as a mere memory. However, the left-wing factions, notorious for their resistance, are not stepping aside easily. Several bureaucrats deeply entrenched in the Biden agenda are showing reluctance to comply with the changes.

Janet Petro, acting director of NASA appointed by Trump, recently sent a message to all NASA staff signaling the closure of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and contracts. In her message, she highlighted the agency’s awareness of government employees attempting to disguise DEI under new names and vague language.

Staff were instructed to report any such violations for investigation. This move aligns with one of President Trump’s first executive orders to eliminate DEI programs, which proliferated under Biden.

Despite the clear directive from the White House, two federal agencies, namely the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau (ATF) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have chosen a different path.

They appear to be subtly undermining Trump’s order by rebranding their DEI programs and retaining certain personnel under altered roles. This defiance was almost immediate, with changes occurring a mere days after the executive order was signed.

The White House issued a statement following the executive order, emphasizing core American values: “Individual dignity, hard work, and excellence are fundamental to American greatness. This Executive Order reaffirms these values by ending the Biden-Harris Administration’s anti-constitutional and deeply demeaning ‘equity’ mandates, terminating DEI, and protecting civil rights.” The administration is clear in its intent to restore traditional American principles.

At the ATF, there was a notable change in the title of Chief Diversity Officer Lisa Boykin, who is now referred to as a “Senior Executive.” CBP employed a more covert approach; their “Diversity and Inclusion” webpage was rebranded to “Special Emphasis Programs” shortly after the executive order was enacted. This webpage has since been removed altogether, raising questions about compliance with the new directive.

Trump’s executive order counteracts a 2021 mandate from Joe Biden, which required government agencies to carry out an “equity assessment.” This was part of a broader initiative that deemed America “systemically racist” and required DEI training within all federal agencies.

The ATF’s decision to flout Trump’s order by simply reassigning their DEI officer rather than placing them on leave, as directed, is a bold move that suggests a disregard for the legal authority of the administration.

Public sentiment on DEI appears divided, as revealed by a YouGov poll. However, the reality seems to reflect a shift in attitudes. By the end of 2024, numerous corporations had begun to scale back their DEI efforts, responding to a growing demand for merit-based evaluation rather than judgments based on identity characteristics. People are increasingly seeking recognition for their abilities and “the content of their character.”

The closure of DEI programs wasn’t the primary reason Trump was elected, but it was a significant factor. A Fox News poll indicated it ranked sixth in voter priorities, following pressing issues like the economy and immigration. Importantly, it was the top concern for 29 percent of voters, highlighting a clear mandate for change.

One of the key reasons for Trump’s election was his pledge to overhaul the federal government. The persistence of left-wing ideologues who fail to adhere to directives presents an opportunity to streamline operations.

This is part of a larger effort to ensure government positions are filled based on merit, aligning with the belief that the best candidate should always be chosen for the job.

President Trump’s actions resonate with his supporters who value traditional American ideals. His decisive move against DEI programs represents a significant step in restoring these principles across federal agencies, reinforcing a commitment to excellence and individual merit.

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