Trump Orders The FAA To Do What?
On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at reversing policies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over merit within federal agencies. The directive specifically targeted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), instructing the agency to return to merit-based, non-discriminatory hiring practices. Trump emphasized that federal hiring should focus solely on an individual’s abilities, qualifications, and performance, rather than considering race, gender, or other identity-based factors.
The order also called for the immediate discontinuation of any DEI initiatives within the FAA, particularly those that give preferential treatment to certain groups based on identity, such as race or sex. Trump’s decision aligns with his broader push to end DEI programs across federal workplaces, which he believes can undermine job performance and public trust in government operations. The former president has long argued that policies based on diversity considerations can divide people, rather than unite them, and that hiring decisions should be grounded in merit and competency.
This executive order is part of Trump’s broader approach to refocus federal employment on excellence and capability. He has repeatedly stated that the American public deserves to have full confidence in the professionals responsible for ensuring safety and quality in critical sectors like aviation. By removing DEI preferences, Trump’s policy seeks to ensure that hiring decisions are based on qualifications and job performance, with no room for discriminatory or identity-based factors.
For many Republicans, this move represents a commitment to eliminating what they see as an overreach of identity politics in government. They argue that DEI programs not only undermine productivity but also erode trust in public institutions. The focus, they believe, should be on individual competence and achievement, ensuring that employees are selected based on their ability to perform their jobs to the highest standards.
