Google scales back DEI efforts as Trump targets diversity programs

By Merve Berker

ANKARA - Google has become the latest company to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following President Donald Trump’s push to dismantle such programs in both the public and private sectors, according to reports on Thursday.

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, removed references to DEI from its annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, signaling a shift in its corporate strategy, MSNBC reported.

The company has also eliminated hiring targets aimed at increasing representation among historically underrepresented employees, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Changes to Google’s diversity website included renaming a top executive’s title from “Chief Diversity Officer” to “VP, People Operations.”

The move comes as other major companies — including Meta, Amazon, Target, and Walmart — have also scaled back diversity initiatives amid Trump’s broader efforts to end DEI programs across the federal government.

In his first week back in office, Trump issued executive orders placing DEI employees on leave and directing the Justice Department to investigate companies for alleged “illegal discrimination and preferences.”

Critics warn that scaling back DEI programs could weaken workforce inclusion and representation, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups.

Advocates stress that these initiatives promote diversity across various demographics, including veterans, parents, people with disabilities, and noncollege degree holders, rejecting claims of so-called reverse discrimination.