Trump signs executive order asking federal contractors to eliminate DEI

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday asking “federal contractors and their subcontractors to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion practices,” the White House said.

Trump has cracked down on public and private organizations, from government agencies to private universities, for their DEI practices.

Civil rights advocates say DEI practices help address historical inequities for marginalized groups such as women, the LGBT community and ethnic minorities. ⁠Trump calls DEI anti-meritocratic and discriminatory against groups like whites and men.

The latest executive order signed Thursday requires some federal contracts to include a clause banning contractors and their subcontractors from engaging in DEI, the White House said.

It was also stated that the decision directs the White House Office of Management and Budget to provide guidance to contracting institutions for compliance with the agreement and to identify economic sectors whose players are interested in DEI.

It also directs agencies to cancel, terminate or suspend contracts and suspend or ban contractors if they fail to comply with contracts, according to the White House.

The White House said it has asked the U.S. attorney general to review violations of certain contract terms banning DEI and ensure “immediate review” of civil rights lawsuits filed by private individuals.

Trump also signed an order last year directing government agency chiefs to repeal DEI policies at federal agencies and the private sector.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates)