Trump Policies Drive Corporate Retreat from Diversity Initiatives

Major companies scale back DEI programs under legal and political pressure, as lawsuits and executive orders challenge inclusion efforts.

Illinois-based corporations, including McDonald's and John Deere, are reducing or rebranding their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in response to political and legal pressures.
Trump administration executive orders targeting DEI initiatives and transgender rights have led to lawsuits from LGBTQ and health organizations, citing discrimination and funding cuts.
Companies like Walgreens, Archer Daniels Midland, and United Airlines have altered DEI language or reporting, while others, such as Exelon, remain committed to their inclusion goals.
Consumer and political backlash, including boycotts and advocacy efforts, has intensified against companies perceived as retreating from DEI commitments.
Legal challenges argue that the rollback of DEI programs undermines progress on systemic inequalities and disproportionately affects marginalized communities.