Federal Workers Express Outrage and Uncertainty Following Trump’s DEI Order
Seasoned Federal Employees Fear Retaliation and Job Loss Amidst DEI Crackdown
Longstanding federal employees say they feel like political chess pieces as the Trump administration aggressively dismantles diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Many fear they are being surveilled and misrepresented.
It was no secret that the Trump administration would target DEI roles within the federal government, but for many employees, the blow landed at 5 p.m. Wednesday. That’s when notifications arrived, placing them on paid leave following President Donald Trump’s executive order to eliminate DEI initiatives within federal agencies, as outlined in a memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
“I’m furious,” said a longtime federal worker who requested anonymity, fearing career repercussions. “I’ve dedicated 23 years of my life to this agency.”
In his inaugural address, Trump pledged to end “government policy attempting to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of life” and to promote a “color-blind” and “merit-based” society. His executive order solidifies his administration’s long-standing opposition to DEI programs, building upon actions from his previous term that sought to curtail diversity initiatives.
The OPM memo set another key deadline: January 31, by which federal agencies must submit written plans for dismissing the employees placed on leave.
Job Uncertainty and Financial Strain
One affected employee had worked as a DEI adviser for two years before his office was disbanded in December, anticipating Trump’s policies. While still receiving salary and benefits, he fears financial instability and the erasure of a career that has become central to his identity.
“I grew up as a gay kid in the South, feeling different and out of place. I also experienced poverty,” he shared. “Those experiences shaped my desire to create spaces where marginalized individuals feel seen and supported.”
Another affected worker, a woman of color, had been bracing for the worst since before Election Day. She took proactive measures, buying her children clothes in larger sizes and scaling back holiday gifts to prepare for financial hardship.
“It’s painful,” she admitted. “I avoid taking my kids shopping to spare them from asking for things I may not be able to afford.”
Despite her foresight, she was still shocked at the rapid enforcement of Trump’s order. When she was placed on leave, no justification was provided.
“When you enter civil service, your mission is to serve all Americans,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to be used as pawns in this power struggle. But this is what the American people voted for.”
LGBTQ Federal Workers Brace for Uncertain Future
A leader of an LGBTQ Employee Resource Group at a Cabinet-level agency—who also spoke anonymously—expressed concerns over the rollback of protections for transgender employees. His group had previously helped establish internal policies to guide trans employees through official name and gender changes. By Wednesday evening, those policies had vanished from the agency’s website.
“Now, every transitioning employee will have to navigate the process alone, reinventing the wheel each time,” he said.
Since Trump’s reelection, he has noticed a growing sentiment among LGBTQ federal employees to remain closeted at work. “People are saying, ‘My plan is to be invisible for the next four years.’”
Widespread Impact and Growing Fear
Trump’s executive order is sending shockwaves throughout the federal workforce. The Wilson Center, a think tank with presidentially appointed trustees, swiftly disbanded all DEI offices and terminated related contracts. A letter to employees justified the move, claiming DEI programs “divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer money, and led to discrimination.”
Additionally, Trump directed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to end DEI efforts, with an accompanying fact sheet alleging that such programs led to the hiring of individuals with “severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and complete paralysis.” The order mandates performance reviews for all FAA employees.
Trump also rescinded a 1965 executive order by President Lyndon Johnson that had prohibited discrimination in hiring by federal contractors.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, stating, “President Trump campaigned on eliminating DEI from our federal government to restore a merit-based system where hiring is based on skills, not skin color. This is a victory for Americans of all races and backgrounds.”
DEI initiatives were originally introduced to combat a long history of exclusion in federal employment. Despite these efforts, federal workforce demographics still show disparities. As of 2023, white employees comprised 59.5% of the federal workforce, with men outnumbering women 55% to 45%, according to data analyzed by the Partnership for Public Service. Senior executive roles remain predominantly held by white individuals (74%), compared to 26% held by people of color.
‘We Are Being Monitored’
Even employees whose roles remain intact report an atmosphere of fear.
“There’s a growing sense of paranoia,” said a federal worker who requested anonymity. “Some employees are avoiding workplace messaging platforms or email groups that connect them with colleagues of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds.”
One employee likened the environment to a surveillance state. “It feels like we’re in Cuba,” they said, expressing concerns that personal social media and phone usage may be monitored.
A federal worker revealed that a leadership training program on managing multigenerational staff was abruptly canceled in response to the order. “There’s no room for pushback. Everyone must fall in line,” he said. “It’s going to be a long few years.”
The OPM memo also instructed agency leaders to compile lists of DEI offices and employees. An email was sent to all federal workers warning of “adverse consequences” for failing to report colleagues whose DEI roles may be concealed.
‘DEI Is Being Used as a Scapegoat’
The veteran employee placed on leave said DEI is being weaponized for political gain.
“The way conservative politics have framed DEI is completely inaccurate,” he stated. “These programs benefit everyone. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Under former President Joe Biden, federal DEI initiatives expanded, with executive orders mandating DEI teams in every government agency. Trump has now reversed those measures.
Jesús Soriano, president of the American Federal Government Employees Local 3403, emphasized that the federal workforce has long been a leader in reducing pay disparities. “Federal service provides equal opportunities, regardless of background,” he said, adding that much work remains to ensure the workforce reflects the diverse population it serves.
Soriano sees Trump’s move as an attempt to reshape federal employment into a loyalty-based system.
“This is another way for President Trump to undermine merit-based civil service and replace it with a system driven by political allegiance,” he said.