Voters back Trump ending DEI programs, poll shows, as federal deadline looms

Almost one-third of voters (29%) agreed that it is "extremely important" that President Trump focuses on getting DEI out of the government. When broken down by party, 44% of Republicans, 16% of Democrats and 24% of Independents want the president to ax federal DEI initiatives.

"Individual dignity, hard work, and excellence are fundamental to American greatness," the White House wrote in a statement about the order. "Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work, individual initiative, and competence can take them. In America, excellence, grit, and determination is our strength."

The federal Office of Personnel Management notified heads of agencies and departments on Tuesday that they must begin taking steps to close all DEI offices by the end of the day on Wednesday, and place government workers in those offices on paid leave.

President Trump's victory, particularly his winning the popular vote, was seen as a resounding rejection of DEI and "wokeness" overall. One particularly effective ad, which turned out to be devastating for the Democrats, used the tagline "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you." Many voters cited inflation and rising prices, as well as cultural issues, as reasons for backing President Trump.

On June 25, 2021, just over six months into his presidency, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to "to strengthen the Federal workforce by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility."

"To further advance equity within the Federal Government, this order establishes that it is the policy of my Administration to cultivate a workforce that draws from the full diversity of the Nation," the 2021 order read. "As the Nation's largest employer, the Federal Government must be a model for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, where all employees are treated with dignity and respect"

DEI became a focus of American cultural wars in 2020, following the death of George Floyd, which sparked a national conversation about race as well as riots that went on for months. Former President Biden would go on to win his election the following November and sign the executive order just over a year after Floyd's death.