The Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management, Chuck Ezell, has delivered fresh guidance following President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 13985, which aims to dismantle DEI policies within federal government operations.
This bold move signifies a significant shift in the administration’s approach towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligning with a broader agenda that prioritizes efficiency and traditional values over progressive initiatives.
Reports indicate that all federal employees involved in DEI roles must be placed on paid leave by 5 PM Wednesday, as these offices and programs are being systematically phased out.
This directive, as outlined in a memo obtained by CBS News’ Kristin C. Brown, marks the beginning of a sweeping change intended to curtail affirmative action in federal contracting. The Trump administration is steering towards a leaner government structure, eliminating what they perceive as redundancies and ideological excesses.
The memorandum specifies that agency heads should act swiftly to address DEIA initiatives by closing down related offices and programs. It instructs them to inform their employees about these closures and to remove any media presence associated with DEIA departments. This step is seen as a necessary measure to ensure transparency and adherence to the new executive order.
A footnote in the document elaborates on the process of placing DEIA department employees on administrative leave, often the precursor to workforce reductions.
The intention is to coax the most committed ideologues to resign voluntarily, while others might be reassigned to different roles. This strategic maneuver reflects the administration’s resolve to streamline federal operations by eliminating positions perceived as unnecessary.
The executive order also revokes an earlier order from President Lyndon Johnson, a move designed to dismantle DEI programs by federal contractors and grant recipients. By reversing policies that encouraged DEI initiatives in the private sector through federal influence, the administration aims to halt their proliferation and refocus efforts on what they consider core governmental functions.
Department heads are further required to submit a written plan detailing how they will reduce their workforce. They must also disclose any position titles that have been altered to mask their association with DEI initiatives. This level of scrutiny underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its efforts to reform federal employment practices.
The ripple effect of this decision is expected to be felt across all government agencies. For instance, Brendan Carr, Chairman of the FCC, has already aligned with Trump’s directive, emphasizing a return to the agency’s fundamental mission. Carr announced the cessation of the FCC’s promotion of DEI, thereby setting a precedent for other agencies to follow suit.
This decisive action is being hailed as a “return to sanity” by proponents who argue that it restores common sense to governmental operations. They believe that by removing DEI-focused programs, the administration is eliminating distractions that have previously hindered the effective execution of governmental responsibilities.
Critics, however, might view this move as a step backward in terms of diversity and inclusion. Yet, for supporters of the executive order, it represents a necessary realignment with right-of-center principles that emphasize individual merit and the efficient use of taxpayer resources.
As the administration continues to implement these changes, the landscape of federal employment is likely to undergo a significant transformation.
By prioritizing a streamlined approach and eliminating what it sees as ideological bloat, the Trump administration aims to bring about a more focused and effective government.
Overall, this bold initiative reflects a commitment to reshaping the federal workforce in a manner that aligns with the administration’s core values. While the debate over its implications may continue, the directive is a clear statement of intent from a leadership determined to challenge the status quo and prioritize efficiency over ideology.
It is nice to see Trump returning the role of the federal government to a new height of sanity after the likes of Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe”the Moron” Biden. Thank you, Trump, for giving us back the government that our founding fathers intended, one that is primarily constructed around the idea of protecting our land from foreign enemies and keeping Americans safe from those inside our borders who would do us harm, whatever might be the source.