Trump Ends Affirmative Action Mandate in Federal Contracting

Trump ends affirmative action in federal contracting by signing an executive order on Wednesday reversing President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action for government contractors. The new order eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in federal hiring, contracting, and spending, signaling a shift toward merit-based practices.

The order prioritizes rewarding employees based on individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work, moving away from DEI mandates that emphasized race, gender, and other characteristics in hiring decisions. The White House described the new policy as a return to a “colorblind and competence-based workplace” aligned with civil rights laws.

A key aspect of the executive order is the overhaul of federal contracting procedures. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is tasked with streamlining the contracting process to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Federal contractors and subcontractors will no longer be pressured to balance their workforce based on race, gender, or other identity markers. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is also barred from enforcing DEI-driven workforce quotas.

The White House criticized DEI practices for reversing progress made since the Civil Rights Act of 1964. According to the administration, DEI policies encourage divisiveness and authoritarianism by prioritizing identity over merit. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to dismantling these initiatives during a recent rally, vowing to restore meritocracy across both government and private sectors.

Trump’s move follows his longstanding opposition to affirmative action and DEI mandates. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, reinforcing the momentum for policies that emphasize equal treatment rather than preferential treatment. Trump has consistently pledged to eliminate DEI practices, framing the shift as essential for restoring fairness and efficiency in government operations.

Observers have noted a broader trend of corporations reducing DEI initiatives since Trump’s presidency began, reflecting a cultural shift in both public and private sectors. The executive order builds on this momentum, signaling a decisive break from DEI-driven policies in favor of merit-based governance.

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