Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson announced the termination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the agency. This move aligns with President Trump's recent executive orders aimed at ending DEI-related activities within the federal government.
Ferguson stated, "DEI is a scourge on our institutions. It denies to all Americans the Constitution’s promise of equality before the law." He criticized the Biden-Harris Administration for supporting DEI, describing it as a divisive ideology that promotes discrimination.
Following President Trump's inauguration, three executive orders were issued: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions, and Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. These orders collectively aim to eliminate DEI practices from federal operations.
In response, Ferguson has taken several steps at the FTC:
- Closed the Office of Workplace Inclusivity and Opportunity.
- Terminated the Diversity Council.
- Removed DEI-promoting materials from the FTC website.
- Conducted a review confirming no current FTC contracts include DEI ideology.
- Ordered an internal audit for compliance with Trump's orders.
- Forbade promotion of DEI in any Commission operations or decisions.
Ferguson may seek additional authority from the Commission to ensure full compliance with these directives.
The Federal Trade Commission's mission includes promoting competition and protecting consumers. The agency advises against scams and frauds, offering resources online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
