Trump Signs EO 14173 Ending DEI Requirements for Federal Contractors

President Trump signed Executive Order 14173 on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025, directing all federal agencies to terminate DEI offices, programs, and contractor requirements within 90 days. The order reversed President Johnson's 1965 Executive Order 11246, which had required federal contractors to take affirmative action, and directed the Department of Justice to identify "illegal DEI" practices for enforcement. Contractors were required to certify compliance with the anti-DEI policy or face contract termination and False Claims Act liability.