President Donald Trump has enacted a series of executive orders designed to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government.

Signed on Monday and Tuesday, these orders instruct the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to place all federal employees involved in DEI roles on leave by Wednesday and call for the termination of related activities, such as DEI training sessions and contracts.

Trump officials claim that this initiative is essential to reinstating a merit-based hiring system, overturning previous efforts to enhance diversity within federal agencies.

The orders also extend to the private sector, instructing the attorney general to devise strategies that would restrict DEI programs in large corporations and institutions.

Additionally, Trump has signed an executive order defining gender strictly as male and female, reversing policies that permitted individuals to identify as ‘other’ or ‘X’ on federal documentation.

This new policy aims to ensure that federal funds are not allocated to promote gender inclusivity.

These executive actions align with similar steps taken by major U.S. companies like Meta and Walmart to reduce diversity initiatives following the 2023 Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions and increasing conservative pressure on corporate practices.

The full consequences of these measures, including their impact on the private sector, remain uncertain.