How Many Federal DEI Employees Are There in the US?

How Many Federal DEI Employees Are There in the US?

In January 2025, a significant change took place in the U.S. federal government. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that affected employees working in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This move has raised many questions about how many federal DEI employees are impacted and what this means for the future of these essential programs.

When President Trump took office in January 2025, he introduced an executive order that changed the direction of DEI programs in the government. The order aimed to shift hiring practices back to a “colorblind and merit-based” system. Trump and his administration believed that previous DEI efforts were unfairly prioritizing diversity over other important factors like safety and efficiency.

In his executive order, Trump stated that DEI programs were “illegal and dangerous.” He emphasized the need to end what he called “illegal discrimination” and to focus taxpayer resources on making America great again. This order directed federal agencies to identify all DEI offices and employees and to create plans for reducing or eliminating these positions.

What is DEI?

DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These programs aim to create a fair and welcoming environment in the workplace.

They focus on ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities. DEI initiatives help support various groups, including those who are pregnant, military spouses, caregivers, and more. Under President Joe Biden, these programs were expanded to provide greater protections and support for federal workers.

How Many DEI Employees Are Affected?

One of the main questions arising from this executive order is: How many federal DEI employees will lose their jobs? As of now, the exact number is unclear. Various news outlets have reported that the total number of affected employees has not been publicly disclosed.

Federal agencies are required to compile lists of all DEI offices and employees. They must then develop written plans to begin the process of laying off these workers. This means that the number of affected employees could vary widely depending on how each agency implements the order.

The Reason Behind the Change

President Trump’s administration believes that the previous DEI programs were not effective and were even discriminatory. They argue that these programs focused too much on diversity metrics rather than on individual merit and qualifications. According to the executive order, the Trump administration aims to bring back what they see as a more fair and efficient hiring process.

For example, the order specifically mentions the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Trump claimed that DEI initiatives in the FAA led to hiring individuals based on diversity criteria rather than their qualifications and ability to ensure safety and efficiency in aviation.

DEI programs are widespread across the federal government. They are part of more than 2,000 federal assistance programs that serve the public.

These programs play a crucial role in promoting equality and ensuring that all individuals have access to opportunities and support within the government workforce.

By targeting DEI offices and positions, President Trump’s executive order could potentially impact hundreds or even thousands of federal employees. Positions such as Chief Diversity Officers and other roles specifically labeled under DEI initiatives are likely to be the most affected.

What This Means for Federal Employees

The removal of DEI programs will have a significant impact on federal employees who work in these areas. Employees placed on paid leave may face uncertainty about their future roles within the government. Those whose positions are eliminated will need to seek new opportunities, either within the government or in other sectors.

Additionally, the elimination of DEI programs could change the workplace environment for many federal employees. DEI initiatives often provide support and resources for various groups, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive work culture. Without these programs, there may be fewer resources available to help employees from diverse backgrounds succeed and thrive in their roles.

As federal agencies begin to implement President Trump’s executive order, the exact number of DEI employees affected will become clearer. Agencies will need to carefully plan the reduction of these programs to ensure a smooth transition. This process will involve identifying which positions are essential and determining how best to support employees during this change.

For those impacted, the transition may be challenging. However, there may also be opportunities for employees to move into other roles within the government that align with their skills and interests. Additionally, the focus on merit-based hiring could open doors for individuals to advance based on their qualifications and achievements.

The executive order issued by President Trump in January 2025 has set the stage for significant changes in federal DEI programs. While the exact number of affected employees remains unclear, the impact on the federal workforce is expected to be substantial.

Many believe that DEI initiatives are crucial for creating a fair and inclusive workplace. Supporters of DEI argue that these programs help address systemic inequalities and provide necessary support for underrepresented groups.

On the other hand, proponents of the executive order believe that a merit-based approach is the best way to ensure fairness and efficiency in government hiring practices. They argue that focusing on individual qualifications rather than diversity metrics will lead to a more competent and effective workforce.

The future of DEI programs in the federal government is uncertain. President Trump’s executive order marks a significant shift in policy, but the long-term effects remain to be seen. As agencies work to comply with the order, the number of affected DEI employees will become clearer, and the impact on the workplace environment will continue to unfold.

For now, federal employees and the public are watching closely to understand how these changes will shape the future of government operations and workplace culture. The removal of DEI programs represents a major policy shift that will have lasting implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the federal workforce.

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Michael Streich
Streich was history instructor who had been involved in most levels of education since 1991. He taught American History, European History, and Global Studies, most recently at three college and university systems, private and state.
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