The Trump administration, expecting the number of cuts so far to be greater, ordered federal agencies to find more diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) workers and programs to ax, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
The Department of Government Efficiency posted Wednesday that 85 DEIA-related contracts totaling roughly $1 billion had been terminated across federal agencies since President Donald Trump first ordered the cuts. However, the administration instructed agencies to identify more people who worked in DEIA areas to cut, according to the Journal report.
Trump on Jan. 22, two days after being sworn in, signed an executive order that federal employees working in diversity offices were to be placed on paid leave and all government diversity programs were to be halted. Agencies began removing DEI guidance from web pages and canceling staff trainings.
The Trump administration is returning the federal government to a meritocracy, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
"What Donald Trump is doing is the common sense thing," Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told Newsmax recently. "It is the right thing. And looking at how the Democratic left and the media are responding, that lets you know that it is the absolute right thing. Merit does have to matter. You have to be qualified for the job."
Federal agencies have until end of business on Friday to submit their plans to initiate reductions in force of employees linked to DEIA programs, though guidance from Office of Personnel Management Acting Director Charles Ezell last Friday instructed agencies they "can and should" begin sending layoff notices immediately.
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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