Trump Administration Directs Federal Fund Recipients to Halt DEI Programs in Sweeping New DOJ Memo

The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday released a memo directing recipients of federal funds to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, expanding on the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle such initiatives across government and affiliated institutions.

According to Reuters, the memo provides detailed guidance on what actions should be restricted, citing examples such as training sessions and policies aimed at assisting protected groups. It also states that federal funds should not be used to support third parties engaged in DEI-related activities.

The directive targets a wide range of federal fund recipients, including public schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private firms contracting with the government. The move builds on a series of executive actions from President Donald Trump aimed at eliminating DEI programs within the federal system since returning to office in January.

Among the memo’s examples, it states that scholarship programs cannot be tailored to “underserved geographic areas” or “first-generation students” if those criteria are intended to benefit specific racial or sex-based groups. Instead, it recommends applying “universally applicable criteria,” such as academic performance or financial need, without considering race, gender, or demographic outcomes.

Another recommendation calls for programs targeting low-income students to be applied uniformly, cautioning against any focus on racial or gender-based outcomes.

While federal law already prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, or ethnicity, the memo marks a further tightening of rules around DEI-related initiatives. The Trump administration has eliminated numerous DEI offices and dismissed staff working in these programs. Private companies have also begun rolling back DEI efforts in response to political and legal pressures.

Supporters of DEI say such programs address structural inequities and systemic barriers faced by historically marginalized groups, including Black Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and people with disabilities. They argue DEI is essential for fairer representation and opportunity.

Trump and his allies contend that DEI initiatives discriminate against white individuals and men, undermining merit-based systems in hiring and advancement.

The administration has also threatened to revoke federal funding over issues ranging from climate policies and transgender rights to campus protests and DEI initiatives.