In the period following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, the federal government has initiated the hiring of up to 1,200 new employees dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles. These positions, offering annual salaries reaching up to $310,000, are being filled before the new administration assumes office.
Notably, 33 DEI-related positions were posted within the 10 days immediately after the election, with application windows closing before the inauguration. For instance, the Department of Health and Human Services advertised for a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health on November 15, with applications closing on November 29. This role, offering a salary up to $221,900, is tasked with promoting health equity and ensuring workforce diversity.
Similarly, the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC) is in the process of filling two positions, each offering salaries up to $310,000. These roles involve leading the development and implementation of the FDIC’s DEI strategic plan and equal employment opportunity programs.
These hiring efforts are occurring as the incoming administration has expressed intentions to reassess and potentially reduce DEI initiatives within the federal workforce. The timing of these hires suggests an effort to embed DEI policies and personnel before any policy changes are enacted by the new administration.
The rapid hiring of DEI personnel has sparked debate over the role and scope of such initiatives in government operations. Proponents argue that these positions are essential for promoting inclusivity and addressing systemic inequalities, while critics contend that the expansion of DEI roles may lead to increased bureaucracy and divert resources from other critical functions.
As the transition of power approaches, the future of these DEI positions remains uncertain. The incoming administration’s policies and decisions will likely determine the extent to which these roles will continue to influence federal operations.