Trump orders the firing of employees from agencies linked to diversity and environmental programs.

247 - The administration of former President Donald Trump began a series of layoffs last Friday of employees in positions linked to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice programs in federal agencies, according to reports. The GlobeThe measure is part of an executive order aimed at reducing the number of employees in these sectors, with a 60-day deadline for implementing the changes. The information was released by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

In the memo, which specifically refers to "diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility" programs, Trump mandated that "each agency, department, or commission head will take steps to eliminate, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all offices and positions" related to these issues. The order came after the implementation of paid leave for employees in these areas, which occurred earlier in the week.

The decision to cut diversity programs is not new. During his presidential campaign, Trump had already publicly criticized diversity and inclusion policies in government agencies and the private sector, claiming that such initiatives favored minorities at the expense of whites, especially men. He also attacked the policy of recognizing gender diversity, including criticisms of the participation of transgender women in women's sports.

The presidential decree revokes similar measures from the previous administration, under President Joe Biden, which had focused on strengthening programs related to diversity and inclusion. One of the most controversial consequences of this new order is the possibility of restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare, which has already generated criticism from human rights advocates.

The heads of federal agencies were instructed to submit, by January 31, written plans detailing how they will reduce the number of employees involved in these programs. The memo also mandates that any documentation or guidelines that contradict the new policy be removed, including advertising materials or instructions related to diversity initiatives.

Furthermore, the reference to "environmental justice" in the new guidelines was seen as an expansion of the changes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as "the fair treatment and meaningful participation of all persons, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other federal activities that affect human health and the environment."