We recently published a Special Alert related to President Trump’s executive orders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As an update, a recent legal challenge led to the temporary suspension of several DEI initiatives mandated by these executive orders affecting federal contractors and recipients of federal funding as well as other private employers. Specifically, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a preliminary nationwide injunction as to significant portions of President Trump’s executive orders titled, “Ending Radical Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” and “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”

During his first week in office, President Trump issued multiple executive orders, including several that rescind previous orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) within the federal workforce. These new directives call for the elimination of DEI programs within federal agencies and government contracting, marking a significant shift in federal policy. It is not yet clear whether these executive orders will survive legal challenges, and whether they will result in actual changes or are just an expression of policy values. In light of these uncertainties, companies with federal contracts should consult with counsel, and other private companies should monitor any legal changes and consult counsel as needed.