RDJ LLP partner Jennifer Cashman warns Irish businesses of the legal risks associated with reversing course on diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI).
From progress to pullbacks, US President Donald Trump’s crackdown on diversity, equality and inclusion programmes is being felt internationally. Ireland, however, has made steady progress on embedding DE&I policies into legislation relevant to employment law and broader societal frameworks.
This article examines the risks posed by the curtailment of DE&I initiatives from an Irish perspective, and the importance of continuing to champion inclusive policies despite the shift in attitude of the Trump administration.
A top priority for President Trump upon his return to the Oval Office in January 2025 was an immediate retreat from diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI), which he implemented through three Executive Orders.
An order published on 20 January 2025 had the objective of “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” within the US federal government. In a further order of the same date, President Trump sought to instruct the federal government to recognise only two sexes — male and female. The following day, on 21 January 2025, another order was signed, targeting “Illegal DEI Discrimination and Preferences” within the private sector.
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