Under President Donald Trump, the Department of Justice is expected to scrutinize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies accused of marginalizing white and Asian job seekers. Critics have long argued these programs violate federal laws prohibiting racial and gender discrimination in employment.
Legal experts anticipate that the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will aggressively pursue companies that use DEI to exclude certain racial groups. Lawyer David Pivtorak highlighted tools at the department’s disposal, including investigative authority and the ability to impose long-term oversight through consent decrees.
“The DOJ can demand internal records, depose executives, and monitor corporate operations,” Pivtorak said. Such measures could compel companies to abandon DEI initiatives entirely, given their legal and financial risks.
High-profile cases illustrate the reach of these policies. Oracle excluded white and Asian employees from career advancement opportunities, while IBM restricted internships based on race and gender. Even prominent brands like Microsoft and Apple have faced criticism for similar practices.
Observers believe the Trump administration’s focus on these issues is part of a broader effort to combat “anti-white racism.” Trump ally Stephen Miller has successfully challenged discriminatory policies in the past and is expected to lead this charge.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has already taken legal action against DEI-related discrimination, setting a precedent for federal efforts. Critics of these policies argue they fail to address past discrimination and instead create new inequalities.
The Trump administration’s push to challenge DEI practices could prompt corporations to reconsider the legality and necessity of such programs, potentially leading to a significant cultural shift in corporate America.
