Trump Orders Federal DEI Staff on Paid Leave

The Trump administration has ordered all federal employees working in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) roles to be placed on paid administrative leave as part of a major overhaul of federal agency operations. This directive follows an executive order signed by President Trump aimed at dismantling DEI programs, which he described as divisive and wasteful. Agencies have been instructed to cancel DEI-related training, remove associated websites and social media accounts, and submit plans for reducing the workforce within a week. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the initiative as a return to a merit-based system, emphasizing that hiring should focus on skills rather than race. The exact number of affected employees remains unclear, but the memo outlines a timeline for implementation and further actions. This decision marks a continuation of the administration's efforts to eliminate federal DEI initiatives, reversing policies established under previous administrations.