On January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. True to one of his key campaign promises, he took immediate action on his first day in office by signing several executive orders. Two of these orders introduce notable changes concerning gender and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
One of these orders, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” declares that the federal government will only recognize two immutable sexes: male and female. This order rejects the concept of “gender identity” as a basis for policy decisions and underscores the belief that sex is a fixed biological characteristic. It mandates that federal agencies use clear, sex-based language in all official communications and documents. Furthermore, it directs that facilities and programs designated for one sex cannot be accessed based on gender identity. The order also requires government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, to reflect the individual’s sex assigned at birth. Additionally, it calls for changes to policies surrounding women’s spaces, healthcare, and legal protections, aiming to safeguard sex-based rights.
Another significant order, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” seeks to eliminate what President Trump describes as “discriminatory” DEI initiatives put in place by the Biden administration. This order mandates that federal agencies terminate any DEI-related programs, including positions, training, and initiatives, regardless of how they are named (even those associated with “environmental justice”). It also requires federal agencies to revise their employment practices to focus exclusively on merit, performance, and skills, without considering DEI factors. The purpose of this order is to ensure that all Americans are treated equally and to reduce federal spending on policies that the order deems “wasteful” and “discriminatory.”
President Trump also signed an order reversing several executive actions from the Biden administration. This order emphasizes the intention to undo policies that President Trump claims have harmed the nation, particularly those related to DEI, border control, and climate regulations. The order asserts that these policies contributed to division, increased costs, and strained public resources. The specific orders revoked include:
- Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government;
- Executive Order 13988, Preventing and Combatting Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation;
- Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government; and
- Executive Order 14069, Advancing Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness in Federal Contracting by Promoting Pay Equity and Transparency.
Additionally, the order establishes a broad review process, instructing the Domestic Policy Council and National Economic Council to examine federal actions taken under the Biden administration to determine which additional policies should be repealed or revised to “increase American prosperity.”
These initial executive orders mark the beginning of what is expected to be a series of major policy shifts under President Trump’s administration. With more orders likely to follow, our DC Employment Attorneys will stay informed and prepare for the evolving policy landscape.