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Navigating Trump administration executive orders impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

By Danielle Conley, Betty M. Huber, and Jude Volek

See EO: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing

Date Issued: January 20, 2025

Agency Impacted: All

Summary: This EO preceded the “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” and focuses on the US federal workforce, grants, and contracts. The EO declares it the policy of the United States to terminate all federal programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) (as well as DEIA policies also aimed at accessibility and environmental justice programs), asserting they are discriminatory and wasteful.

  • Specifically, the EO directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), assisted by the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to terminate all DEI mandates, policies, programs, and activities in the federal government within 60 days.
  • While the program is largely focused on the elimination of programs serving the federal government, it requires cancellation of “equity-related” grants or contracts and DEI performance requirements for contractors and grantees.

Timeline: 60 Days

Latham & Watkins has a proven track record of guiding clients through transitions in US administrations, leveraging our deep expertise and understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape. In the first week of the Trump Administration, a total of 48 executive orders were issued, marking a significant and rapid commencement of policy changes with potential impacts across business sectors. This package provides a concise analysis by Latham lawyers of 15 key executive orders that are anticipated to have the most substantial business implications.

For a comprehensive list of all executive orders issued, please visit the official White House website.

Additional details about Latham’s capabilities as well as contact information for several Latham lawyers with former government experience or who serve as key contacts in relevant practice areas, can be found at the end of this package.

We welcome the opportunity to connect with you to understand your specific needs and explore how we can assist you in navigating these changes. Please reach out to Latham for more detailed analysis and to stay informed about additional insights as they become available.