President Donald Trump speaks as Elon Musk, joined by his son X Æ A-Xii, listens in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump's Day One executive order, which the GSA is aligning its actions with, directed the federal contracting process to "be streamlined to enhance speed and efficiency, reduce costs, and require Federal contractors and subcontractors to comply with our civil-rights laws." The order also commanded the Office of Federal Contract Compliance to "immediately cease" promoting "diversity," as well as any encouragement of federal contractors and subcontractors to engage in affirmative action-like efforts that consider race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion or national origin when making hiring decisions.
Trump's order added that the heads of each executive agency must begin including contractual language that requires federal contractors to agree to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. Meanwhile, language associated with DEI principles was also ordered to be removed from any federal acquisition, contracting, grant or financial assistance procedures.
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Criticism over workplace DEI commitments was bolstered following last year's affirmative action ruling from the Supreme Court that barred racial preferences in university admissions. (Getty Images)
"The steps taken by GSA will make it easier for industry to sell their products and services to the government," acting administrator Ehikian said Tuesday. "GSA is leading the way in transforming government and strongly encourages other agencies to follow our lead."
Trump and fellow Republicans have pushed hard against DEI policies in recent weeks, making the case that the government should instead focus on meritocracy. DOGE claims it has already addressed hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in DEI-related contract cuts, including $350 million at the Department of Education last week.
Last month, DOGE announced that taxpayers would see just over a $1 billion savings through the elimination of 104 DEI contracts.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-directs-federal-agencies-end-dei-considerations-govt-contracts-doges-impact-spreads