Trump Signs Executive Orders Banning Federal DEI Programs and 'Gender Ideology'

On his first day in office, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151 terminating all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and Executive Order 14168 titled 'Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government.' EO 14168 mandates that the federal government replace usages of 'gender' with 'sex,' cease funding for gender-affirming care and the promotion of 'gender ideology,' and disallow gender self-identification on federal documents. The orders direct all federal agencies to immediately terminate DEI offices and programs, affecting agencies including the Department of Education, HHS, and DOD. Civil rights organizations including the ACLU and Human Rights Campaign immediately announced legal challenges, with HRC stating the orders represent 'an unprecedented attack on the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ Americans.' These orders target LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity initiatives across federal agencies, schools, a...

"Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government" — Title of Executive Order 14168, signed on Inauguration Day 2026