Staff Reports
President Donald Trump has kicked off what could be deemed the most anticipated demolition derby of the decade, and no, it’s not just a thrill ride for his fans; it’s a serious undertaking aimed at dismantling the bureaucratic monstrosity commonly known as “diversity, equity, and inclusion” or DEI. Trump made short work of this initiative right out of the gate, launching a parade of executive actions designed to obliterate DEI programs buried deep within nearly every corner of the federal government.
On his first day in office, Trump wasted no time dismantling a slew of executive actions put in place by previous administrations, especially those of the illustrious former President Joe Biden. These are actions that made diversity, equity, and inclusion not just buzzwords but mandated government policies. With a flick of his pen, Trump rescinded these mandates, sending a clear message: the culture of allowing skin color and “gender identity” to dictate hiring decisions is officially over. Gone are the days of hiring based on anything other than the pure substance of skills and qualifications.
Trump puts all US government DEI staff on paid leave, 'Effective immediately' 🔨
> This follows an executive order President Trump signed on Monday ordering all federal agencies to end all DEI programs.
> Take down all outward facing media (websites, social media accounts,… pic.twitter.com/EtwBMj5tY4
— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) January 22, 2025
The fallout from this move could have been predicted by anyone who’s tuned in to the melodrama of politics. Democrats and left-leaning media outlets erupted in outrage as if someone had deflated their favorite balloon at a birthday party. On the other hand, conservatives and independents watched in celebration, relieved that someone finally stood up to the antiquated ideas behind DEI, which they believe to be inherently discriminatory. After all, it’s about time meritocracy made a comeback.
But that wasn’t all. Like a magician pulling bunnies out of a hat, Trump continued his cutting spree into the next day. His executive order, grandly titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” might just be the cherry on top of this political sundae. It didn’t just retrieve the federal government from the clutches of DEI, but it set its sights on the private sector, shaking the very foundations of how businesses might address hiring practices.
In a move that left shocked faces across tables of left-leaning journalists, Trump took on affirmative action head-on, crafting policy to reverse decades of what many consider misguided attempts at “equal opportunity.” He targeted the roots of DEI by revoking outdated practices established as far back as 1965, ensuring federal contractors ditch any remnants of bias masquerading as fairness. This executive order encouraged both private and public entities to celebrate individual achievement and perseverance over race, gender, or any other arbitrary labels.
The ambition of Trump’s actions was reflected in the White House’s characterizations, which praised this sweeping endeavor as potentially the most critical civil rights advancement made in recent history. By ensuring that the only criteria for success in America’s workplaces would be hard work and personal integrity, Trump’s policies promise to foster an environment where talent truly rises to the top—free of arbitrary quotas. Perhaps it’s time for everyone to stop looking over their shoulders and instead refocus on the meritocracy that ought to rightfully guide their path to success.
