Jerry Jackson Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs once flourished in corporate America, but now many leading companies are rolling them back. Political shifts, particularly under Donald Trump, have accelerated this change.
In the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020, many US corporations committed billions to DEI programs. These initiatives aimed to boost diversity and reduce discrimination in the workplace. Tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon were at the forefront of these efforts. However, many of these companies used DEI for public relations, rather than implementing lasting change.
With Trump back in office, the political climate shifted. He criticized DEI initiatives as “wasteful” and “discriminatory” against white, heterosexual men. His administration dismantled federal DEI programs and pressured businesses to scale back their commitments.
Google, once a major advocate for DEI, quietly dropped its diversity goals. Its parent company, Alphabet, cited government contracts as the reason for this shift. Meta ended its DEI programs in hiring and training, while Amazon eliminated inclusion-focused policies. Other major Silicon Valley companies followed suit.
Not all businesses are following this trend. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Cisco have maintained their commitment to DEI. Retailer Costco and social media platform Pinterest also continue their diversity initiatives. These companies argue that diversity strengthens employee engagement and enhances business performance.
As political and corporate landscapes evolve, the future of DEI in the US remains uncertain. Some companies are adapting to new policies, while others continue to defend their commitment to inclusion. Only time will tell how DEI efforts will shape the business world going forward.