These Major Companies are Defying Trump’s anti-DEI Push
Apple, Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Costco Defy Trump’s anti-DEI Agenda
Over the past year, many large American companies have scaled back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs due to growing pressure from activists, concerns about legal ramifications, and backlash from customers.
Several well-known corporations, including Walmart, McDonald’s, Amazon, Ford, and Lowe’s, have begun to reconsider their DEI initiatives in light of a cultural shift within the country, as well as increased scrutiny from conservative groups and legal experts.
This change has been spurred in part by President Donald Trump’s commitment to rolling back federal DEI programs, according to the New York Post.
Trump pushes companies to abandon DEI initiatives — but these businesses won’t back down https://t.co/DoG6MBEySZ pic.twitter.com/znl94ocrkT
— New York Post (@nypost) January 31, 2025
On his first day back in office, President Trump signed an executive order that ended DEI offices and programs within the federal workforce, a move designed to curb what he described as divisive practices.
Trump has also taken a strong stance against the expansion of DEI initiatives, notably criticizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the aftermath of a deadly aviation crash in which 64 passengers and crew were killed. Although there was no clear evidence linking DEI programs to the crash, Trump used the incident to highlight his opposition to DEI practices in federal agencies.
Despite this growing trend of retreating from DEI initiatives, some major corporations remain staunch supporters of these policies and have faced intense pressure to maintain their DEI programs.
For instance, tech giant Apple has urged its shareholders to reject a proposal that would see the end of the company’s DEI programs, arguing that such a move would be unnecessary and detrimental to its success. Similarly, Costco’s board of directors strongly opposed a proposal calling for a risk report on the continuation of DEI programs, with shareholders voting overwhelmingly to reject it.
Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, two major players in the financial sector, have also come under fire for their steadfast support of DEI.
In response to shareholder proposals targeting DEI policies, Goldman Sachs issued a statement defending its commitment to diversity, arguing that diverse perspectives are crucial for the company’s success.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon also defended his company’s DEI initiatives, asserting that they are essential for reaching out to communities such as Black, Hispanic, and LGBT groups.
Microsoft, another company that has doubled down on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, released a statement emphasizing that its DEI efforts are integral to the company’s success.
Chief Diversity Officer Lindsay-Rae McIntyre reaffirmed that Microsoft’s DEI initiatives are crucial for building a workforce that can create products and services for a global market.
This divergence in approaches between companies scaling back their DEI programs and those that are doubling down highlights the ongoing national debate about the role of DEI in business.
While some argue that DEI programs are essential for fostering inclusivity and driving innovation, others view them as divisive and politically charged initiatives that create unnecessary risks. The conversation has become increasingly heated, with growing pressure from both sides of the political spectrum.
As President Trump continues to challenge DEI initiatives and promote alternative policies, it remains to be seen whether more companies will follow in the footsteps of those who have scaled back their DEI programs, or if those that have held firm will continue to push forward with their diversity and inclusion efforts.
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