Federal employees received a stark warning from the Trump administration on Wednesday, cautioning them of “adverse consequences” if they failed to report colleagues who resisted efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies from their departments. The directive, sent to tens of thousands of workers across federal agencies, reflects President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on DEI initiatives.
According to The New York Times, employees were given a 10-day deadline to report non-compliance through a designated “special email address.” The message emphasized that those who reported their colleagues would not face disciplinary action, but those who failed to comply risked repercussions.
“There will be no adverse consequences for timely reporting this information,” read an email from the Office of Personnel Management sent to agency heads. “However, failure to report this information within 10 days may result in adverse consequences.”
The directive framed DEI programs as harmful and wasteful. “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination,” the email continued, as reported by The Times.
The warning extended to multiple federal agencies, including the Education Department and the State Department, with slightly modified messages tailored to specific departments. Notably, the Department of Homeland Security’s version included a stronger phrasing: “Failure to report D.E.I. efforts ‘will result’ in adverse consequences,” according to the report.
The directive comes amid President Trump’s escalated campaign against what he has termed “woke” culture. Throughout his 2024 campaign and subsequent victory, Trump has repeatedly criticized DEI policies in both government and the private sector.
Earlier this week, he issued executive orders dismantling federal DEI programs and placing DEI-related employees on paid leave, media outlets reported. The administration’s crackdown has drawn attention to Trump’s broader push to reshape federal governance and policy. Critics have argued that such measures may foster a climate of fear and chill open discussion among federal employees.
However, Trump and his allies have doubled down, arguing that DEI programs undermine unity and misuse taxpayer funds. The administration’s latest move underscores its commitment to enforcing the president’s vision of eliminating DEI initiatives from the federal government, even as debates continue over the cultural and political implications of these policies.