Federal DEI Worker Shares Experience of Being Targeted By Trump

The Trump administration is on a crusade against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. The administration sees such programs — designed to make opportunities in federal government hiring and contracting accessible to qualified candidates regardless of their background — as intolerable. 

One of Donald Trump’s first acts in his second term as president was to place members of DEI teams within federal agencies on paid administrative leave, with the clear aim of dismissing them from the federal workforce. 

Rolling Stone was contacted by a member of one of these teams on Signal. She asked that her name and department be withheld for fear of retribution. But she shared what the experience of the past two weeks has been like and what she believes underlies the anti-DEI push — namely racism.

What is life like on leave?

I hate it. Wish I could get back to work.

What was your role?

Comms.

Are you at home? 

Yep. 

Not like shoved in a no-windows office without a computer?

I’m a fully remote worker. But it’s been total silence since we were put on leave. We didn’t even get that awful “buyout” offer. I would not have done it.

Interesting that it was not extended to you…

We have no government email accounts. They were suspended when we were put on administrative leave.

Do you have any clarity on the future for your team? I don’t know how job protections might work in your case. 

None. I might personally have more RIF [Reduction in Force; i.e. layoff] protection than my teammates. But I don’t think it will matter. I honestly expect they will treat us all the same — and try to cut us.

Are you able to move to another government job?

I was told we could not be transferred or detailed, even within our department.

Are you looking for new employment? Or taking a breather?

I’m using the time to regroup. I’ve got 20-plus years in government, and I’ve always been proud to serve my country and the American people. I want to be able to retire, and do not intend to leave voluntarily. 

What did your DEI job involve?

Amplifying the work done by the team and crafting materials and talking points that highlight opportunity to underserved and underrepresented communities. We’ve also done some great work developing ERGs [Employee Resource Groups, usually known as “affinity groups” in the private sector]. I am so proud of this work.

What would you like folks to know about the value of DEI work? 

I see and hear people talk about DEI as if it’s divorced from merit. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. DEI is about making opportunities available to everyone eligible. There is so much DEI that’s celebrated in our society without folks realizing it’s DEI: alternative work schedules, autism support in schools, the list goes on.

DEI has been reduced to a headline, and Americans have been misled to believe it creates privilege when actually it combats unfair advantages — intentional or not. I wish more people asked questions and looked at data points, instead of relying on “charismatic” leaders.

What does the crusade against DEI say about the people who are enacting it?

As a white woman, I believe with my whole heart that the core motivator for anti-DEI folks is racism. They want to keep doors shut to minimize competition and keep a low-wage class. The American people deserve the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of our nation. They can’t do that if they are omitted or overlooked.