President Donald Trump has instructed all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices within the federal government to shut down immediately, setting the tone for a series of bold moves as his administration’s first week continues.
Key Facts:
– The White House Office of Personnel Management ordered DEI offices closed by end of day Wednesday.
– Trump’s new FBI acting director warns all agents they are under close watch.
– Cabinet nominees face confirmation hurdles in the Senate.
– Trump launched what he calls the largest AI infrastructure project “in history.”
– Secretary of State Marco Rubio has paused refugee admissions to review vetting processes.
The Rest of The Story:
President Trump, who began his second term with a flurry of executive orders, has not slowed his pace.
One of his latest directives targets DEI initiatives across government agencies.
This move, according to administration officials, is intended to streamline operations and reduce overlapping programs.
Critics worry that ending these offices may weaken policies and programs designed to address concerns about discrimination and fairness in hiring and promotion.
In other news, Cabinet nominees are pressing forward with sometimes contentious confirmation hearings.
Senate Republicans have urged Democrats to expedite the process so that key agencies can function effectively.
Meanwhile, the acting FBI director, Brian Driscoll, warned his agents that the bureau will undergo “an overhaul” in accountability, suggesting that no one is above the law.
Some former agents say this change is intended to restore public trust.
On the technology front, Trump has teamed up with major private-sector partners to develop an ambitious AI infrastructure initiative.
Industry executives praise the move as a major leap for American innovation.
OBTAINED FIRST BY @cbsnews’ @kristincbrown: All federal employees in DEI roles have to be placed on paid leave by 5pm Wednesday as those offices and programs are being ordered shut down, according to @USOPM memo. pic.twitter.com/PhTn4QrQqB
— Ed O'Keefe (@edokeefe) January 22, 2025
Trump also signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, a decision that is already drawing legal challenges.
Beyond these top items, the administration also designated international criminal organizations like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua as terrorist groups.
With that label, federal agents can impose stricter financial and legal punishments on group members.
In foreign affairs, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has paused all refugee resettlements, explaining that more time is needed to strengthen vetting procedures.
Commentary:
This is very good news for taxpayers and for those who believe government should treat everyone the same.
Eliminating these DEI offices sends a clear message that we should prioritize unity and equal treatment for all, without dividing people based on race or background.
Many Americans will likely welcome this change.
A government that functions without such programs can focus on core responsibilities and ensure that positions and promotions are awarded on merit rather than bureaucratic guidelines.
This approach stands to bring people together under a shared standard of fairness.
The Bottom Line:
Trump’s actions in his first days back in office reveal a leader determined to chart a new course on domestic policies, immigration, and federal oversight.
Conservatives see this as a decisive moment for reining in bureaucratic programs, while critics worry about the implications for civil rights and immigration.
The administration is signaling that it intends to move quickly, and the coming weeks will show how these changes play out in practice.