Topline
The FBI confirmed to Forbes that it closed its diversity, equity, and inclusion office in December, sparking criticism from President-elect Donald Trump. In a Truth Social post, Trump accused the agency of “corruption” and demanded that it “preserve and retain all records” related to the office.
Key Facts
The FBI did not provide a reason for why it closed its DEI office, and it declined to comment on Trump’s Truth Social post.
Trump blasted the DEI office in his post, stating it “never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago.”
Trump questioned why the office is closing “one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration”—although the office closed in December, according to the FBI—and accused the agency of “corruption.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., questioned why the FBI was “allowed to be focused on DEI in the first place” in a post on X Thursday, stating the agency should be “focused on catching criminals, not winning participation trophies.”
Federal Diversity Programs Under Scrutiny
Federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have faced increasing criticism from Republicans in recent months. The FBI’s DEI office has drawn particular attention following a tragic incident in New Orleans, where a truck driver drove into a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring at least 35 others. Days after the attack, Senator Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, accusing the agency of prioritizing DEI initiatives over its mission to protect the American people. Blackburn alleged that the FBI’s focus on “woke DEI initiatives” has compromised national security.
Her letter referenced an October 2023 report from retired FBI agents submitted to the House Judiciary Committee. The report argued that the Bureau’s law enforcement capabilities are “degrading” because it is no longer hiring the “best and brightest” candidates, blaming DEI policies for this decline. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., echoed these concerns, stating in a radio interview that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have shifted their focus from security to “diversity and inclusion.”
In May, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, launched an inquiry into the FBI’s hiring practices, requesting documents related to its DEI initiatives. Meanwhile, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency is considering cuts to federal diversity programs, citing recommendations from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty. The nonprofit estimated these programs cost $120 billion annually, according to The Washington Post.
Tangent
The closure of the FBI’s DEI office is part of a broader backlash against DEI programs impacting corporate America. Several major companies have scaled back or dismantled their DEI initiatives in recent months. Amazon recently announced plans to end “outdated programs and materials,” while Meta eliminated programs aimed at increasing diversity in hiring and training. Boeing, Lowe’s, and Walmart have also scaled back their DEI efforts.
These moves follow online pressure campaigns by conservatives, including activist and former music video director Robby Starbuck. Starbuck has claimed responsibility for influencing Walmart and McDonald’s to roll back their DEI policies after engaging in discussions with the companies prior to their announcements.
Contra
A smaller number of companies have maintained their commitment to DEI initiatives. Costco and Apple, for instance, urged shareholders to vote against proposals that would mandate a review or potential revision of their DEI policies. Similarly, Delta Airlines reaffirmed its dedication to diversity during an earnings call last week, emphasizing that diversity remains “critical to our business.”