Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies across the federal government.

The order, issued on Monday, claims that efforts to promote diversity undermine “traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement.”

Critics argue the move is part of a broader campaign to erode workplace protections and opportunities for women, minorities, and other marginalized groups.

In the text of the executive order, Trump asserts that recruiting diverse applicants diminishes the importance of “individual merit, aptitude, hard work, and determination.”

This claim comes as Trump continues to face criticism for appointing unqualified individuals to high-ranking government positions.

Among his nominees is Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator, to lead the Department of Defense.

Hegseth’s experience in leadership includes managing two charities, both of which reportedly faced financial mismanagement under his tenure.

The order also echoes rhetoric Trump has previously used to oppose diversity initiatives, which he claims are discriminatory.

Critics argue that the actions disproportionately benefit white men, pointing to Trump’s nominations of individuals such as Robert Kennedy for the Department of Health and Human Services, despite Kennedy’s public dismissal of scientific consensus on vaccines.

The controversy surrounding the executive order is compounded by additional actions Trump has taken to roll back federal programs that promote equality.

On Monday, he signed another order revoking funding for programs aimed at supporting Black farmers and investing in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

He also signed measures enabling federal contractors to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, and other protected categories, sparking backlash from civil rights groups.

One of the most high-profile moves in this series of actions was the dismissal of Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to command a branch of the U.S. military.

Official explanations for her removal have been criticized as pretexts for targeting her gender, underscoring concerns about the administration’s stance on gender equity in leadership roles.

Trump’s critics argue that these policies reflect a broader hostility toward diversity and competence.

Observers have noted a pattern of prioritizing loyalty to his agenda over qualifications.

The appointment of individuals without relevant experience has drawn comparisons to earlier controversies, such as Trump’s comments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a widely criticized press conference, he speculated about injecting disinfectants as a potential treatment for the virus—a statement that was immediately debunked by medical experts.

Trump’s rhetoric has also extended to science and education. Throughout his presidency, he and his supporters frequently dismissed experts in fields ranging from climate science to public health, favoring unverified claims by media personalities.

For example, podcaster Joe Rogan, who lacks formal scientific training, has been elevated as a trusted voice among some of Trump’s supporters, while seasoned scientists like Dr. Anthony Fauci faced significant backlash and threats for upholding evidence-based policies.

Data contradicts Trump’s claims about diversity undermining excellence.

A 2023 report from McKinsey & Company found that companies prioritizing race and gender diversity outperform others financially by 39%.

Advocates argue that expanding opportunities to historically underrepresented groups allows organizations to tap into a wider pool of talent, which benefits both institutions and society as a whole.

The administration’s opposition to DEI policies has also drawn attention to disparities in how “merit” is defined and applied.

Critics argue that the term has been co-opted to exclude qualified candidates from marginalized groups, favoring less competent individuals aligned with Trump’s political agenda.

Vice President Kamala Harris, for example, faced criticism during her debate with Trump, despite showcasing detailed policy knowledge.

Trump’s supporters dismissed her as a “DEI candidate,” a term many view as a racially charged attack.

As the federal government continues to implement Trump’s latest executive order, experts warn of long-term consequences for workplace diversity and inclusion.

The rollback of protections for marginalized groups could exacerbate existing disparities, undermining progress made in recent decades.

Civil rights organizations and advocates have vowed to challenge these measures in court, aiming to safeguard the principles of equity and fairness in federal hiring practices.