In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order that changed how the government and businesses deal with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs. DEI is designed to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, ability, or socioeconomic background are treated fairly and given the same opportunities as in school and the workplace. Some companies have DEI programs to make sure they hire and support employees from diverse backgrounds, in hopes of creating a fair and welcoming environment for everyone.
President Trumps executive orders ended DEI programs within the federal government and with companies that do business with the federal government. Trump argued that DEI initiatives were unfair and that hiring, and promotions should be solely based on an individual’s ability and skills, without considering factors like race or gender. Following the executive order many well-known companies decided to change and or stop their DEI programs. Some of these companies are Walmart, Target, Lowes, Ford, Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and many more. A lot of these companies have many Black buyers.
When companies stop focusing on DEI, it can change what they sell, how they advertise, and how they support Black communities. Many businesses used DEI programs to make sure their products worked for different kinds of people. Without those programs, there might be fewer hair and skincare products made for Black people in big stores like Target and Walmart. Clothing brands might not design as many styles that reflect Black culture, and even TV shows and movies might not tell as many diverse stories.
Advertising could also change. Companies might not focus as much on reaching Black customers, which means fewer ads featuring Black people or messages that connect with Black culture. If companies stop supporting Black businesses and events, there could be fewer sponsorships for things like HBCU homecomings, Black music festivals, and local community programs. Depending on the city, many local Target’s and Walmart’s sell paraphernalia catered to the local HBCU.
Job opportunities can and have been affected. Some companies used DEI programs to help Black employees move up in their careers or get hired in the first place. Without those programs, there might be fewer chances for Black workers to get leadership positions or fair pay. If fewer Black people are in decision-making roles, businesses might not think about the needs of Black customers as much.
These changes will eventually make it harder for Black buyers to find products, services, and brands that truly represent them. It might also make it feel like big companies don’t care as much about Black consumers, even though Black buying power in the U.S. is over a trillion dollars. If that happens, more Black shoppers might choose to support Black-owned businesses instead, keeping their money in the community rather than spending it with companies that no longer prioritize diversity.
There has been a lawsuit filed by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) challenging the executive orders, arguing that it violates constitutional rights and threatens academic freedom. The importance of DEI in higher education was also emphasized.
