President Donald Trump’s administration and allies have intensified their opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in corporate and government sectors, citing a Supreme Court ruling from 2023 that focused on affirmative action in college admissions. Lawsuits and letters have been filed targeting companies’ DEI initiatives, claiming that they must be abolished in line with the Supreme Court’s decision. However, legal experts argue that this interpretation is exaggerated and not applicable to the private sector.

DEI programs, which have been in existence for decades but gained momentum after George Floyd’s killing in 2020, aim to address historical disparities and promote equality in the workplace. While opponents argue that these programs unfairly prioritize minority candidates, experts emphasize that such efforts are legal and essential for fostering diversity and preventing discrimination.

The Trump administration has issued executive orders to eliminate DEI programs in the government and discourage such practices in the private sector. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked part of these efforts, citing concerns about discriminatory enforcement. The administration’s pushback against DEI has led to companies revisiting their diversity policies, with some, like Walmart and McDonald’s, already scaling back their programs.

As the debate intensifies, state officials are leveraging the Supreme Court’s admissions ruling to challenge diversity programs in private companies. Lawsuits, such as one against Starbucks, argue that employment decisions based on diversity goals are discriminatory. Despite these challenges, companies like Costco maintain that their DEI policies are lawful and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative workplace environment.