Trump to place federal DEI staff on paid leave starting Wednesday

(Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday instructed U.S. federal government departments and agencies to dismantle all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, advising employees of such programs that they would be immediately placed on paid leave.

The action outlined in an Office of Personnel Management memorandum came one day after President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders to end diversity programs, which attempt to promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people and other traditionally underrepresented groups.

The government should by the end of business on Wednesday inform employees of any government offices or units focused exclusively on DEI that their programs will be shut down and employees placed on leave, the memorandum said.



(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Jamie Freed)