Tech Giants Scale Back DEI Efforts Ahead of Incoming Trump Administration; Meta Announces Complete Termination
NEW YORK, NY – Meta Platforms and Amazon are among the latest major U.S. corporations to scale back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move reflects a broader trend of companies pulling back on such efforts amid shifting political and legal landscapes, particularly as former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of “woke” policies, prepares for a potential return to the White House.
Meta Ends DEI Programs Completely
Meta has announced the complete termination of its DEI programs, including initiatives related to training, hiring, and supplier selection. In an internal memo obtained by Axios Media, the company cited changes in the legal and policy environment as the primary driver for the decision.
Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, wrote, “The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI … The term ‘DEI’ has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others.”
This announcement marks yet another significant pivot at Meta. Earlier this week, the company also ended fact-checking services on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, which have long been targets of criticism from conservative groups. Additionally, Meta appointed Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and a Trump ally, to its board of directors – a move widely seen as an effort to strengthen ties with the potential new administration.
Amazon Scales Back DEI Efforts
Amazon has similarly begun scaling back its DEI initiatives. In a December memo obtained by FOX Business, the company described its decision as an effort to unify employee resources and focus on programs with proven results.
“We worked to unify employee groups together under one umbrella and build programs that are open to all,” the memo stated. “Rather than have individual groups build programs, we are focusing on programs with proven outcomes – and we also aim to foster a more truly inclusive culture.”
In addition, Amazon has reportedly scrubbed sections of its websites that previously highlighted its stances on “Equity for Black people” and LGBTQ+ rights, signaling a shift in its approach to public commitments on diversity issues.
Political Contributions and Strategic Realignments
Both Meta and Amazon have previously shown alignment with Trump’s administration through substantial financial contributions. Each company donated $1 million to Trump’s record-breaking inaugural fund. These rollbacks, coupled with board appointments and policy changes, appear to reflect a broader strategy to align with shifting political tides.
The Broader Implications of DEI Rollbacks
The decisions by Meta and Amazon to curtail their DEI programs come at a time of heightened scrutiny over corporate diversity initiatives, with critics claiming such programs foster division or prioritize certain groups over others. These rollbacks may signal a trend of companies recalibrating their strategies in response to evolving legal interpretations, public sentiment, and political dynamics.
