The combined salaries of these employees total more than $8 million.
History of the Policy Shift
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to close down all federal initiatives on DEI. He ordered that the agencies must close the offices of DEI and place employees on paid administrative leave who work on DEI. He asked them to nullify all DEI contracts as well as terminate the training programs for DEI. These programs, in the administration’s view, are divisive, a waste, and promote a more merit-based system in hiring and promotions.
Effect on the Department of Veterans Affairs
It has rattled the VA-which has over 400,000 employees within the organization-making it one of the largest employers. It has more than 370,000 employees in the Veterans Health Administration. The majority of its 60 employees on leave were exclusively dedicated to DEI work. Combined, they drew over $8 million in annual salaries. The department is also looking to cancel about $6.1 million in contracts that involved DEI work.
Exceptions and Business Operations
Despite the blanket hiring freeze implemented by the administration, over 300,000 VA health care positions, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, are exempted from the freeze. An exemption means that the VA will not interrupt its critical services to veterans.
Reactions and Implications
Mixed reactions have followed the decision to close the DEI offices and place staff on leave. While supporters of the policy argue it will create a more inclusive, merit-based workplace, critics raise fears that this is a step backward in terms of diversity and inclusion work for the VA. Union officials were quick to say this would hurt readiness and veterans’ access to care.
Future Directions
The department stays keen on its mission, which is the service to the veterans as the VA continually rolls out changes in implementation. The reallocation of resources originally allocated to DEI programs would enrich quality care and benefits both for and on behalf of the veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors.
The response to the closing of DEI offices and putting staff on leave has been mixed. Supporters of the policy believe that this step will create an inclusive, also merit-based, environment. Others fear that this may be a step backward for diversity and inclusion efforts within the VA. Union officials have also been vocal, raising objections that deployment could negatively impact military preparedness and veterans’ access to care.