The Trump administration’s policy pivots on diversity, equity and inclusion and immigration proved impactful to a larger share of employers in 2025 compared to other areas, including artificial intelligence, according to Littler Mendelson survey results published March 5.

Littler, which polled just over 300 employer representatives in late January and early February, found that the share of employers citing policy and regulatory effects from either DEI or immigration more than doubled that of any other category measured.

The firm’s findings reflect a flurry of activity by federal agencies — especially the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — targeting DEI programs since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.

In one of EEOC’s first major actions following the restoration of its quorum, which also cemented a Republican majority at the commission, the agency rescinded its Biden-era workplace harassment guidance. The document took positions on Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act with which Chair Andrea Lucas disagreed concerning protections for transgender workers and employees who seek an abortion.

Jim Paretti, shareholder at Littler, said during a March 4 media event that while the rescission didn’t surprise employers, it did result in less clarity regarding how EEOC views Title VII.

“I do think that’s unfortunate, only insofar as much of what was in that guidance, I think, was not particularly controversial or novel,” Paretti said. “It served as a good...

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