In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump announced the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies, the private sector, and the military. Addressing Congress on Tuesday, Trump declared that the United States will "be woke no longer," a statement met with thunderous applause from Republicans, while Democrats remained silent.

A Move Toward ‘Merit-Based’ Hiring

During his speech, Trump emphasized that hiring and promotions should be based solely on skill and competence, rather than race or gender. "We have ended the tyranny of the so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion policies all across the entire federal government, the private sector, and the military," he stated.

The White House released a statement reinforcing Trump's stance, saying his administration seeks to uphold merit-based hiring while eliminating "lower standards in the name of discriminatory DEI initiatives."

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Further Policy Changes

Beyond the removal of DEI programs, Trump designated English as the official language of the U.S. and reversed Biden-era lawsuits against police and fire departments, which had been accused of discrimination for their use of standardized testing in hiring.

Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun dismantling DEI offices across federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where the Biden administration had implemented policies to recruit individuals with disabilities. The Trump administration has framed these actions as a return to meritocracy.

Political Fallout and Controversy

As Trump delivered his speech, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson ordered Democratic lawmaker Al Green to leave the chamber, citing a violation of decorum for standing during the address. The event underscored the stark political divide over the rollback of DEI initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Trump's sweeping reforms mark a dramatic shift in federal hiring and diversity policies, setting the stage for further policy reversals and legal challenges. While Republicans celebrate these changes, Democrats and civil rights advocates warn of potential setbacks in workplace equality.

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