The corporate landscape in the United States is experiencing a significant transformation as companies increasingly scale back or eliminate their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This shift, driven by political pressure from the Trump administration and conservative activists, has ignited a fierce debate about the role of DEI in business and society. An article published on March 22, 2025, by Conor Murray and Molly Bohannon highlights this growing trend and its broader implications.

The movement gained momentum following a series of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump on his first day in office in January 2025. These orders targeted DEI programs within the federal government and military, labeling them as “dangerous” and “demeaning.” The administration, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, extended its anti-DEI campaign to private companies and universities, citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in *Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard*, which effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions. Trump has been vocal in his criticism, calling DEI a “hoax” and urging companies like Apple to abandon such initiatives entirely.

The impact of this political pressure is evident across various industries. Major League Baseball (MLB) removed references to diversity from its careers webpage, while companies such as Victoria’s Secret, State Street, and Warner Bros. Discovery have reevaluated or rebranded their DEI programs. Financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and BlackRock have eliminated diversity requirements and references from their annual reports. Even tech giants like Google and Meta have scaled back their DEI efforts, with Google discontinuing diversity hiring targets and Meta halting equity and inclusion training programs.

However, not all companies have followed this trend. Costco shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to review DEI risks, with 98% voting against it. Apple CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering a “culture of belonging,” and Delta Airlines emphasized that DEI is critical to its business success. Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins and Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing also defended DEI, highlighting its importance to innovation and market relevance.

The debate has drawn in prominent figures from various sectors. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has been a vocal critic, pushing for the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay over her handling of antisemitism on campus. Elon Musk has joined the anti-DEI movement, criticizing what he calls “woke” policies. On the other side, entrepreneur Mark Cuban has defended DEI, arguing that it positively impacts business outcomes. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has led social media campaigns against companies with DEI commitments, claiming credit for policy changes at Walmart and McDonald’s.

The legal and political context of this debate is significant. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on affirmative action has emboldened Republican-controlled states like Alabama, Iowa, and Utah to ban DEI programs at public colleges and universities. Conservative think tanks, such as the National Center for Public Policy Research, have filed shareholder resolutions to roll back DEI and environmental regulations at major corporations.

Despite the pushback, many companies continue to defend DEI. Coca-Cola warned that abandoning DEI could harm its ability to reflect the diverse markets it serves. The NFL, under Commissioner Roger Goodell, has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity efforts, including the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for coaching and executive positions.

The retreat from DEI programs raises important questions about corporate culture and social equity. While some argue that these initiatives are essential for fostering innovation and inclusivity, others see them as divisive and unnecessary. As the debate continues, the future of DEI in corporate America remains uncertain, with significant implications for businesses and society at large. Whether companies will continue to defend their commitment to diversity or succumb to political pressure is a question that will shape the corporate landscape for years to come.