Trump escalates anti-diversity efforts, pressures private sector, revokes historical EO protections, and places government DEI employees on leave.

U.S. President Donald Trump intensified efforts against diversity programs on Tuesday, calling on the private sector to withdraw support and directing government employees involved in these initiatives to take paid leave.

Since his first day in office, Trump has issued executive orders aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which are designed to enhance opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Civil rights advocates defend these programs, citing their role in addressing systemic inequities and racism.

The executive order signed on Tuesday revokes various past orders dating back to 1965, including those that promote equal employment opportunities and workforce diversity among federal contractors.

This 1965 order, established by President Lyndon Johnson, aimed to protect workers from discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors.

The new directive discourages private contractors from implementing DEI programs, describing them as forms of “illegal discrimination.”

It mandates agencies to identify companies for potential civil compliance investigations.

Specific enforcement mechanisms for these investigations have not been disclosed.