Acting Trump agency chiefs warn against disguising banned DEI programs could face adverse consequences

The acting heads of federal agencies warned government workers this week that they are aware efforts have been made to “disguise” diversity, equity and inclusion programs banned by President Trump – and employees that don’t report those obfuscations could face “adverse consequences.” “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination,” read a memo sent to NASA employees Wednesday by Acting Administrator Janet Petro.The memo, obtained by Space News, notified workers that the space agency is “taking steps” to implement Trump’s Day One executive order terminating government DEI programs and contracts. “We are aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language,” the notice continued.“If you are aware of a change in any contract description or personnel position description since November 5, 2024 to obscure the connection between the contract and DEIA or similar ideologies, please report all facts and circumstances.” Petro’s memo was identical to a form letter included in a missive sent out to all federal agencies by the Office of Personnel Management on Tuesday in response to Trump’s executive order. “There will be no adverse consequences for timely reporting this information,” read the NASA memo, which noted employees have 10 days to report disguised DEI programs to OPM. “However, failure to report this information within 10 days may result in adverse consequences,” the letter warned. An identical note was sent out the same day to Department of Homeland Security employees by Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman, according to NewsNation. OPM, the government’s top human resources agency, has been tasked under Trump’s order with providing the White House Office of Management and Budget with a list of all DEI programs, positions and expenditures that have been “misleadingly relabeled in an attempt to preserve the...