Major U.S. Companies Scale Back DEI Initiatives Following Political Shifts

Corporate America retreats from diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as Trump's second term and legal challenges reshape the landscape.

Walmart, Meta, and McDonald's are among major corporations announcing the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in recent months.
Donald Trump's administration is expected to target DEI initiatives with federal actions, including potential executive orders and legislative efforts led by a Republican-controlled Congress.
The Supreme Court's 2023 decision against affirmative action in higher education has spurred a wave of lawsuits challenging workplace DEI policies, with conservative judges influencing legal interpretations.
Companies cite a shifting legal and political environment, as well as concerns over the perceived divisiveness of DEI programs, as reasons for scaling back these initiatives.
Advocates warn of a chilling effect on corporate DEI efforts but emphasize the importance of maintaining internal inclusivity and legal compliance in the evolving landscape.