The Biden administration devoted a significant portion of federal resources to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout the U.S. government in recent years, spurring controversy as the extent of the spending is revealed.
A recently released study highlights that President Joe Biden's commitment to DEI programming was marked by expansive spending, contrasting sharply with President Donald Trump's current efforts to dismantle these initiatives, as the Daily Caller reports.
The Functional Government Initiative, alongside the Center for Renewing America, has drawn attention to the DEI initiatives funded under President Biden. Their study pinpoints 460 DEI programs across 24 government agencies, noting a substantial increase in federal resources allocated to these efforts.
The study emphasizes that the cumulative budget exceeding $1.1 trillion for these DEI initiatives represented only part of the expenditures authorized, as not all DEI-related spending is captured. This figure does not fully encompass every program across the agencies involved.
The groundwork for these initiatives was laid when Biden issued an executive order on his first day in office. This directive was intended to advance equity and racial justice across federal operations.
Within the 460 identified programs, ten are solely dedicated to DEI, while 144 allocate significant resources to these efforts. Another 306 programs incorporate DEI components to varying degrees. These policy moves signified an attempt to embed DEI considerations deeply within the fabric of federal governance, often requiring substantial financial backing.
In a stark departure from Biden, Trump has made it clear that he intends to dismantle the DEI framework established during Biden’s tenure. His actions upon resuming office reflect this approach. Trump executed an executive order on Jan. 20, explicitly targeting the elimination of what he terms "radical and wasteful" diversity programs in federal entities. His policies have extended to educational institutions, including K-12 schools and universities.
Trump's criticism of DEI programs has been particularly pointed, referring to them as "forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs." His intent is to reduce federal involvement in DEI efforts significantly.
The divergent approach to DEI is further reflected in the corporate sector's varied stances. Some major U.S. businesses have been stepping back from diversity policies, aligning more closely with Trump's stance.
Nevertheless, some companies like Costco continue to stand by their DEI initiatives, showcasing a split within the corporate landscape. In December, Costco even urged shareholders to oppose a proposal that would limit the company's commitment to these initiatives. The company's actions contrast with a broader trend among businesses that are reconsidering the scope and implementation of DEI policies in response to shifting political winds.
The Biden administration's dedication to DEI programs underscored a broader political and cultural debate on the federal government's role in fostering inclusivity through substantial fiscal commitments. Biden's strategies not only focused on diversifying federal operations but also reflected what supporters hoped would be larger societal efforts to address systemic inequities. The considerable financial outlay suggests a comprehensive approach to tackling these long-standing issues.
The study by the Functional Government Initiative and the Center for Renewing America highlights the complexities and expansive scope of these programs, serving as a document of the policy shift from Biden to Trump.
This intricate web of DEI programs points to what was the Biden administration's broader agenda, prioritizing inclusivity at numerous levels of federal operation. The financial implications are undeniably significant, sparking discussions on prioritization of government spending. The contrasting approaches of Presidents Biden and Trump serve as a reminder of the deep ideological divides within American political discourse, particularly regarding equality and federal resource allocation.
