Department of Veterans Affairs Cuts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
The Department of Veterans Affairs has made the decision to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs across federal agencies, redirecting significant funding in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order. This move is in line with the directive to cut initiatives considered unnecessary or unrelated to core missions.
As part of this decision, the VA has placed 60 employees working on DEI initiatives on paid administrative leave. These employees collectively earned $8 million annually, with an average salary of $136,000 per employee and exceeding $220,000 for at least one employee.
Additionally, the VA is reviewing all administrative spending to identify further areas for cost savings. The department has identified contracts for DEI training, materials, and consulting services totaling $6.1 million.
Impact and Reallocating Resources
According to VA Director of Media Affairs Morgan Ackley, the department is focused on providing the best care and benefits to veterans and their families. By ending DEI programs, the VA aims to reallocate resources to better serve those who have served the nation.
The VA is also removing DEI-related media from its digital platforms and reallocating those resources to support veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
Broader Debate and Private Sector Response
Trump’s executive order has sparked a larger debate on the role of DEI in federal agencies. While the order ended DEI programs in the government, some private sector companies like Target and Apple are also making changes to their DEI initiatives.
Target has announced the end of its DEI initiatives, while Apple is recommending shareholders vote against ending their initiatives at an upcoming meeting.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
