Washington: US President Donald Trump has ordered federal employees working in diversity offices to be placed on paid leave by Wednesday evening. This move comes as the new administration seeks to dismantle programmes designed to support minority groups.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the directive, stating that federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives would be terminated. Leavitt emphasised that the decision aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to end what he called discriminatory practices in favour of a “merit-based society.”

"President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit-based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the colour of their skin," Leavitt said in a statement published by NBC News.

"This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. Promises made, promises kept."

The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo instructing federal departments to notify employees in DEIA offices of their immediate placement on paid administrative leave. Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell directed agencies to submit plans for reducing DEIA-related staff by Friday.

DEI programmes to be terminated

The OPM memo called for the closure of all DEI programmes and the termination of related contractors, training sessions, websites, and social media accounts by Wednesday evening. The memo described DEI initiatives as divisive, wasteful, and discriminatory.

"DEI programmes divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination," the memo stated.

White House spokeswoman Leavitt reshared the memo on social media platform X, confirming its authenticity and writing, “To every reporter asking about this: I can gladly confirm!”

Trump’s campaign against DEI policies

During his campaign, Trump frequently criticised diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, claiming they discriminated against white men. His administration’s broader agenda includes reversing many initiatives from Democrat Joe Biden’s presidency and instituting stricter immigration and gender policies.

In his first 24 hours back in office, Trump signed executive orders on immigration, gender, and climate that overturned several of Biden’s key policies. He also pardoned more than a thousand supporters, including individuals involved in the US Capitol riots, as part of what many are calling a "shock-and-awe" start to his second term.

Controversial remarks on gender

Trump issued measures this week suspending the arrival of asylum seekers and expelling undocumented migrants. He also declared that only two sexes — male and female — would be officially recognised, excluding transgender identities.

Defiance from Washington Bishop

Trump’s policies and rhetoric have sparked criticism, including a rare public rebuke during the customary inaugural service at the Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde addressed Trump directly, criticising his administration for sowing fear among immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals.

"I ask you to have mercy, Mr President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away," Budde said during her sermon.

"I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now."

Trump fires back at Bishop Budde

In response, Trump lashed out at Bishop Budde on his Truth Social platform, calling her "nasty" and demanding an apology.

"The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard-line Trump hater," Trump wrote.

"She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!"

Trump criticised Budde’s service as "very boring and uninspiring," further escalating the tension between the administration and faith leaders.

International disruption: Tariff threats against EU and China

On the international front, Trump has also stirred controversy by threatening new tariffs. He warned of potential tariffs against the European Union and proposed a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods, citing accusations that China is sending fentanyl to North America.

"Probably February 1st is the date we’re looking at," Trump said regarding the China tariffs. Beijing responded by vowing to defend its national interests, warning that "there are no winners in a trade war."

AFP