Trump’s unprecedented attack on Black federal employees continues. On Wednesday (Jan. 22), workers received emails that threatened consequences if they did not report on co-workers who work in diversity, equity and inclusion positions that may have gone undetected by the federal government.
NBC News obtained the emails sent to government employees which stated “We are aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language.”
They were also instructed to the Office of Personnel Management if they are “aware of a change in any contract description or personnel position description since November 5, 2024 to obscure the connection between the contract and DEIA or similar ideologies.”
The email also said the reporting this information is required but that failure to do so within 10 days could result in “adverse consequences.” It was received by staff across several agencies and departments.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration demanded for federal employees in DEI positions to be placed on paid leave by the end of the day.
Trump’s first day in office Monday led to an executive order being signed that could get rid of DEI and accessibility “mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.”
Black and brown people will be disproportionately affected by Trump’s actions. Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris massively expanded the federal government’s DEI bureaucracy, which Trump is vehemently going after.
Earlier this week, Trump also revoked an executive order meant to prohibit discrimination by federal contractors and subcontractors. According to the Department of Labor, the order mandated “affirmative action and prohibits federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.”