US President Donald Trump has taken significant actions against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs since returning to the White House in January 2025. On his first day, he signed an Executive Order aimed at ending radical government DEI programs and promoting a “Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence” (MEI) approach.
The order directed federal DEI staff to be placed on paid leave and eventually laid off, citing that DEI programs are discriminatory and morally wrong. Trump believes in creating a society based on merit, disregarding color or demographic characteristics.
In contrast, the MEI movement advocates for selecting candidates based solely on their qualifications, abilities, and intelligence. Proponents argue that this approach is more equitable and effective in building high-performing teams. Companies such as Meta, McDonald’s, Walmart, and Amazon have recently rolled back their DEI programs in favor of MEI initiatives.
However, not all companies are abandoning DEI efforts. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon stands by his bank’s diversity initiatives, while Costco aggressively defended its DEI policies. Other major corporations, including Apple, Delta Airlines, Cisco, Microsoft, and American Airlines, continue to support DEI programs.
The evolution of the MEI versus DEI debate will unfold through various factors, potentially leading to a polarized sector in the workplace. Some companies may adopt a combination of both approaches or focus on individual accomplishments over demographic considerations. As Trump’s administration pressures companies to prioritize MEI, hirings and promotions are likely to shift towards skills, talent, and relevant experience.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2025/02/01/president-trump-shifts-to-merit-excellence-and-intelligence-in-the-workplace-and-away-from-dei