Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, the federal workforce has seen a significant reduction, with nearly 426,000 of the 2.2 million civilian employees leaving government positions—a rate considerably higher than during his first term or the current Biden administration. This wave of departures coincides with the administration’s aggressive efforts to streamline the federal bureaucracy, particularly targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and personnel.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Government Effectiveness (DOGE) has led dismissals that impacted more than 200 individuals in DEI-related roles. Black employees were disproportionately affected, holding over 100 of the positions terminated—approximately twice as many as White federal workers in similar roles. Among those dismissed was Dia Harris, the inaugural chief equity officer at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Harris was placed on administrative leave without any disciplinary action just six hours prior to her termination.
Before joining the federal government, Harris had nearly three decades of experience in the private sector, focusing on building diverse workforces. However, after her dismissal, she encountered significant obstacles in securing new employment. Harris was publicly named on a conservative “DEI Watchlist,” which details the names, salaries, and employment status of federal employees involved in DEI, posing challenges to their job prospects.
The federal government has not released workforce diversity data since 2025, making it difficult to assess the comprehensive impact of the workforce reductions and purges on diversity within federal agencies. Harris now works part-time at a supermarket and relies on family support and personal savings, illustrating the financial and professional difficulties faced by many affected by the purge.
The reduction in DEI personnel reflects a broader retreat from diversity and equity initiatives that gained momentum following the 2020 murder of George Floyd and subsequent nationwide calls for racial justice. The Trump administration’s purge follows sustained criticism from conservative groups who labeled DEI efforts as divisive. The movement against DEI also gained legal traction, notably after a Supreme Court ruling last year invalidated race-conscious admissions policies in higher education, prompting a wave of related legal challenges.
Experts warn the administration’s policies may have long-term consequences for diversity and equity work in both government and private sectors. The experiences of individuals like Dia Harris highlight the personal and professional toll that these policy shifts have imposed on federal employees dedicated to advancing inclusivity.