The Backlash Against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Growing Trend in Corporate America
The landscape of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is undergoing a significant shift, marked by a growing number of companies scaling back or eliminating their programs. This trend comes amidst renewed political scrutiny and legal challenges to DEI practices, with former President Donald Trump making the elimination of such programs a central focus of his agenda. While some major financial institutions, like Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs, have reaffirmed their commitment to DEI, a wave of prominent companies, including Target, Amazon, Meta, and McDonald’s, have opted to curtail their diversity efforts. This divergence in approach reflects the increasingly polarized debate surrounding DEI in the United States.
The rollback of DEI programs began gaining momentum in late 2024, with companies like Boeing, Molson Coors, and Lowe’s dismantling their dedicated diversity departments and revising their policies related to employee resource groups and participation in external diversity surveys. This trend accelerated in 2025, influenced by Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI within the federal government and his rhetoric condemning such programs as discriminatory. The Smithsonian Institution’s closure of its diversity office further underscored the impact of the changing political climate on DEI efforts.
Despite the growing pressure, some companies have resisted the trend and publicly defended their DEI commitments. Costco shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to review the company’s DEI initiatives, and Apple’s board urged a similar rejection. Delta Airlines, Cisco, and Bank of America have all emphasized the business value and importance of diversity in their workforce. This resistance highlights a significant divide within corporate America, with some companies prioritizing DEI while others retreat in the face of political pressure and potential legal challenges.
Fueling the anti-DEI movement are conservative groups like the National Center for Public Policy Research, which have filed shareholder proposals urging companies to review and potentially end their diversity efforts. These groups often criticize DEI programs as discriminatory and harmful to meritocracy. Influential figures like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have also amplified anti-DEI sentiments, further intensifying the debate. The pushback against DEI also reflects a broader backlash against what some perceive as "woke" corporate culture, exemplified by the boycotts targeting companies engaging in LGBTQ+ inclusive marketing or expressing support for social justice causes.
Trump’s executive orders and pronouncements have provided significant impetus to the anti-DEI movement. By declaring DEI programs discriminatory and ordering their elimination within the federal government, Trump has emboldened critics and created a legal and political environment that discourages companies from maintaining robust DEI initiatives. His actions have also sparked concerns about potential repercussions for private entities that continue to prioritize DEI.
The debate over DEI is complex and multifaceted. Proponents argue that DEI programs are essential for fostering inclusive workplaces, promoting diversity of thought, and addressing systemic inequalities. Critics, on the other hand, contend that such programs can lead to reverse discrimination, undermine meritocracy, and create unnecessary division. This ongoing debate highlights the challenges of balancing competing values and navigating the evolving legal and political landscape surrounding DEI. As the trend of rolling back DEI programs continues, the long-term implications for workplace diversity and inclusion remain uncertain, and the divide within corporate America on this issue is likely to persist. The future of DEI will depend on the ongoing dialogue between opposing viewpoints, legal challenges to existing policies, and the evolving political landscape.
