Federal workers ordered to report efforts to ‘hide’ DEI programs or face ‘consequences’

The memos sent to federal employees across the government prompt them to report any efforts to “hide” diversity programs, threatening “severe consequences” for those who do not comply.

A memo sent late Wednesday and reviewed by The Hill accuses agencies of working to “hide” diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts.

“We are aware of efforts by some in government to hide these programs using coded or inaccurate language. If you are aware of a change in any contract description or staff position description since November 5, 2024 to hide the relationship between the contract and DEIA or similar ideologies, please report all “Facts and circumstances,” the memorandum states.

“There will be no negative consequences for reporting this information in a timely manner. However, failure to report this information within 10 days will result in serious consequences.

It also does not explain potential penalties.

The memo also includes an email to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) — “DEIAtruth” — instructing them to submit such reports.

Wednesday’s memo notes that the new Trump administration believes agencies are working to shelter employees who may lose their jobs.

The government-wide memo comes after the Office of Management and Budget on Tuesday directed all agencies to place any DEIA employees on administrative leave, begin working to separate them from the federal government and “remove all foreign-facing media” in those programs.

This followed an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office to “coordinate the end of all discriminatory programs.”

Wednesday’s memo also stressed the Trump administration’s position on any diversity programs.

“These programs divide Americans based on race, waste taxpayer money, and lead to shameful discrimination,” the report states.