Growing List of American Companies Ending DEI Practices
The list of companies that have rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices is growing. Here is the latest news on the companies that have eliminated these initiatives in recent months, as well as why they are choosing to make these changes.
How the Trump Administration is Influencing DEI Practices
DEI programs have come under attack from President Donald Trump and his administration. The White House asserts that the 2024 presidential election was a referendum on these practices, indicating that Americans are weary of DEI and its associated impacts. The Trump administration got to work immediately when taking office again in January, dismantling DEI programs within the federal government and encouraging American companies to do the same.
It did not take long for much of corporate America to follow suit. According to Gravity Research, about 40 companies made changes to their DEI programs after the election. Of that number, about 85% said that the changes were made in deference to shifts in the political and legal climates, with 28% attributing the changes directly to the Trump administration.
Critics of the president say that while corporations are overhauling their approach to DEI initiatives, they are not completely abandoning their commitment to diversity. For example, an October study from Paradigm Strategy found that approximately 95% of corporations still support employee resource groups, while over 90% are continuing to solicit employees for feedback to understand differences among different groups. In addition, the study from the culture and inclusion platform found that 96% of American companies are still investing in initiatives that promote fairness in promotions and management.
It seems like every day brings news of a new company making major changes to these policies designed to promote a more equitable workforce.
Major Retailers Rolling Back on DEI
Some of the most prolific American companies that have made significant changes to their DEI practices are in the retail space. Ford Motors reined in its DEI programs after anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck began investigating the company in August. For example, Ford told its employees that it was taking a "fresh look" at its policies in response to political and social issues. The automaker also replaced mentions of DEI with terms such as "inclusive culture" in its last annual report.
Target is another retailer that has come under fire from DEI supporters in recent months. The big box retailer had historically been an ardent supporter of DEI practices, making the move to stop these programs even more puzzling. Shoppers have responded by boycotting the company.
Fast food stalwart McDonald’s rolled back its DEI initiatives at the start of 2025. This rollback included the elimination of programs to boost diversity within senior leadership. The company also stopped a program that encouraged practicing diversity hiring among its suppliers.
Other retailers that have either trimmed or eliminated their DEI programs include Caterpillar, Home Depot, Toyota, Walmart, Lowe's, Walt Disney Company, Victoria's Secret, T-Mobile, PepsiCo, Nissan, Molson Coors, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson.
Where DEI Has Shifted in the Tech and Finance Spaces
The change in the DEI landscape has not been limited to retailers. Several of the country's leading tech and finance players have also cut back or eliminated these programs. Notably, Amazon sent an employee memo at the end of 2024, announcing that it was "winding down outdated programs and materials." The online shopping giant has not been specific about what DEI initiatives it has kept.
In the finance sector, Bank of America eliminated references to its diversity hiring goals, as well as scrapping a rule that mandated that hiring managers look at a diverse group of job candidates. The leading financial institution said that its goal continues to be to make opportunities available to all of its workers, clients, shareholders, and communities that it serves.
Deloitte announced in February that it was ending all DEI programs. The consulting company also told its employees who are working on contracts for the federal government to eliminate the use of identifying pronouns from their emails. Chief people officer Doug Beaudoin told employees that the company will remain fully compliant with all federal anti-discrimination laws.
Also in February, Google removed the previous hiring targets designed to attract employees from historically underrepresented populations. In that same space, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp owner Meta eliminated all of its DEI programs in January.
Other tech and finance institutions that have made significant reductions in DEI practices include Salesforce, IBM, and Goldman Sachs.
Despite the backlash to DEI by a large slice of corporate America, many companies are still standing strong in their commitment to these practices. Companies that have publicly defended their DEI practices include Apple, Cisco, Costco, Delta Air Lines, and Lush.
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