US President Donald Trump intensified efforts against diversity initiatives and immigration on Wednesday, revealing more of his hardline policies in an Oval Office interview.
The White House ordered federal employees involved in diversity programs to be placed on paid leave starting Wednesday, marking Trump’s second full day back in office.
The Justice Department threatened legal action against local and state authorities failing to cooperate with Trump’s immigration policies, including his pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
Trump, 78, is rapidly dismantling predecessor Joe Biden’s policies through executive orders addressing immigration, gender, and climate, while promising a new “golden age” for America.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Trump is “returning America to a merit-based society where people are hired for their skills, not the colour of their skin.”
Critics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes argue they discriminate against white men. DEI officers in federal roles were ordered to go on paid leave by 10:00 pm GMT Wednesday.
Affirmative Action Revoked
On Tuesday, Trump issued an executive order ending affirmative action in federal contracting, reversing a policy dating back to President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s. He also repealed DEI-driven hiring practices in the Federal Aviation Administration.
Trump’s administration is pursuing its hardline agenda across the board. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove warned states and localities of legal repercussions for resisting federal immigration commands.
Shifting Priorities
Trump declared a national emergency at the Mexican border earlier in the week and promised deportation raids. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to eliminate climate and cultural programmes within his department.
Further, Trump issued over 1,000 pardons, including some for US Capitol rioters, and escalated tensions with allies and opponents alike, including Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine conflict.
Public and Clerical Resistance
Despite his bold moves, Trump faced pushback, including criticism from Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who accused him of spreading fear among immigrants and LGBTQ communities. Trump dismissed her comments on Truth Social, labelling her “nasty” and a “Radical Left hardline hater.”
Domestic and International Shocks
Elon Musk, a Trump ally, questioned the viability of a $500 billion AI project announced by the administration. Meanwhile, Trump’s international strategies, including trade threats to Russia, are already creating ripples.
The president’s actions underscore a return to his signature combative approach in reshaping America’s domestic and foreign policies.