Trump Signs Memo Removing DEI From Foreign Service

The memo is the latest of several executive actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the federal government.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 25, 2025. Alex Wong/Getty Images

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on March 18 removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies from foreign service positions.

The order directs all agency heads to avoid basing any foreign service recruitment, hiring, promotion, or retention decisions on an applicant’s “race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.”