In a rapid-fire series of executive orders and policy reversals, US President Donald Trump has launched a renewed crackdown on diversity initiatives and immigration just days into his second term.
The president is doubling down on a hardline agenda aimed at reshaping federal policies established during his predecessor Joe Biden’s tenure.
On Wednesday, the White House directed all federal employees involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to go on paid leave effective immediately.
This move marks the administration’s first step toward dismantling DEI initiatives across federal agencies.
“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She emphasized Trump’s commitment to “returning America to a merit-based society where people are hired based on their skills, not the color of their skin.”
The new policy has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and minority advocates, who argue that it risks undoing decades of progress toward workplace equality.
Supporters, however, claim DEI schemes unfairly target white men and contradict principles of meritocracy.
Trump also signed an executive order to eliminate affirmative action in federal contracting, a practice that has been in place since the 1960s.
He further instructed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to cease prioritizing diversity in hiring, calling such efforts part of the “DEI madness” he aims to eradicate.
The president is moving swiftly to implement his hardline immigration policies, which include mass deportations and strict enforcement measures.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove issued a memorandum warning state and local governments against resisting federal immigration directives, raising concerns among sanctuary cities and immigrant advocates.
Trump has declared a national emergency at the southern border and pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, describing the situation as a crisis demanding immediate action.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that his department would discontinue work on climate change and cultural issues, signaling a dramatic shift from Biden-era priorities.
This includes ending initiatives supporting LGBTQ rights globally, which were a hallmark of the previous administration.
In a polarizing move, Trump has pardoned over 1,000 individuals, including participants in the January 6 Capitol riots.
The decision has sparked outrage among Democrats and some moderate Republicans, who see the move as a dangerous precedent undermining the rule of law.
Religious leaders have also voiced concerns. During an inaugural church service, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde called on Trump to show compassion toward marginalized groups, including immigrants and LGBTQ individuals.
The president dismissed her remarks as “nasty” on his Truth Social platform, further escalating tensions.
On the international stage, Trump is already drawing lines with allies and adversaries.
He has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of increased sanctions unless a resolution to the Ukraine conflict is reached.
Meanwhile, his proposed $500 billion AI initiative has faced skepticism from Elon Musk, who questioned the project’s feasibility.
As Trump pushes forward with his bold agenda, his actions have sparked a mixture of support, outrage, and uncertainty.
While conservatives applaud the rollback of progressive policies, critics argue that the administration is alienating vulnerable communities and deepening divisions in an already fractured nation.
For now, Trump’s second term is proving to be just as controversial and consequential as his first, with ripple effects likely to shape America’s political and social landscape for years to come.