Trump Takes Action on Workplace Issues with New Executive Orders

Just after being inaugurated for the second time, President Donald Trump quickly took action by issuing various executive orders that significantly affect workplace practices, especially around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

While people in the U.S. were off work for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President Trump made moves to stop and get rid of DEI initiatives within the federal government. He signed an order to halt DEI programs, demanding the White House to find and end such initiatives. 

He also requested agencies and federal contractors to stop all DEI policies, including closing DEI offices and jobs. Another order he signed was against hiring based on applicants' support for gender identity or equity, emphasizing hiring decisions should not consider these factors.

Moreover, Trump rolled back protections for transgender individuals, firmly stating the recognition of only male and female sexes, which are unchangeable in his view. This stance extends to federal prisons and shelters, which will now separate people based on this sex definition, and it also stops federal funds from being used for transition services.

Another significant action taken was to cancel the DEI steering committee and equity team requirement set by former President Joe Biden, which reverses efforts to support DEI within government agencies.

These decisions aren't only in the government. Big companies like Lowe's and Walmart have also trimmed down their DEI programs, reflecting a wider trend influenced by conservative perspectives.

Beyond DEI changes, Trump's executive orders also introduced new immigration policies and rules for federal employees to return to office work. He established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aiming to streamline federal technology and software, mandated a return to office for federal workers, put a freeze on hiring new federal employees except for some critical areas, reclassified certain federal positions for easier dismissal, and removed restrictions on executive branch employees regarding lobbying gifts.

These actions come at a time when workplace dynamics are already challenging, with technologies transforming how we work and employees expressing concerns over wages and job security.

In a broader view, these orders could reshape the federal workplace, impacting millions of federal employees and potentially influencing private sector practices.

Read more about: Job Market in 2025: What to Expect for Job Searches, Raises, Promotions, and Office Returns

-

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for instant updates and articles in your inbox.