Two of America’s biggest tech giants, Meta and Amazon, are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as conservative opposition to such initiatives grows. The move comes just weeks before Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, reflecting a broader trend of corporations stepping away from DEI efforts.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, recently announced the end of its DEI initiatives, including programs for hiring, training, and supplier diversity. Meanwhile, Amazon is also “winding down outdated programs and materials” related to diversity and representation, with plans to complete the process by the end of 2024.
The rollback is part of a larger shift in corporate America, where companies that once championed DEI efforts—especially after the 2020 protests over the killing of George Floyd—are now retreating amid legal challenges and political pressure.
Meta’s DEI Shutdown and Its Shift Toward Trump
Meta’s decision was revealed in an internal memo sent to employees on Friday. Janelle Gale, Vice President of Human Resources, explained that recent Supreme Court rulings signaled a shift in how U.S. courts would handle DEI programs in the future. She also acknowledged that the term “DEI” has become politically charged, with some viewing it as a form of preferential treatment.
Beyond DEI, Meta has made a series of moves that seem to align with conservative interests. In recent weeks, the company scrapped its U.S. fact-checking program, promoted Republican strategist Joel Kaplan to Chief Global Affairs Officer, and added UFC CEO Dana White—a close Trump ally—to its board of directors.
In a notable departure from its previous stance, Meta also announced a $1 million contribution to Trump’s inaugural fund in December, signaling a shift in its relationship with the former president. The social media giant had faced harsh criticism from Trump in the past, with threats of legal action against CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the company’s content moderation policies.
Amazon Joins the Retreat from DEI Initiatives
Amazon, another corporate leader in DEI efforts, is also pulling back. In a memo from December, the company stated it was phasing out “outdated” diversity programs and materials. This move follows growing legal threats from conservative groups that argue DEI programs amount to illegal racial preferences.
Big Tech Reverses Course on DEI Amid Conservative Pressure
The retreat from DEI initiatives has been emboldened by a landmark 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in university admissions. This decision has led to a wave of lawsuits challenging corporate diversity policies.
The Political and Legal Pressure Against DEI Programs
Conservative opposition to DEI has gained significant traction, with right-wing figures blaming diversity efforts for various societal issues. Just this week, Elon Musk and other Trump allies baselessly claimed that DEI initiatives hindered the response to the Los Angeles wildfires.
Additionally, a U.S. appeals court ruled in December that Nasdaq could not enforce rules requiring listed companies to have women and minority board members or explain why they did not. This decision set a precedent that could impact other corporate diversity efforts.
What’s Next for Corporate DEI in America?
The decline of DEI programs in major companies like Meta and Amazon marks a turning point for corporate diversity initiatives in the U.S. With Trump’s return to power, legal challenges mounting, and businesses adjusting to shifting political realities, the future of DEI in corporate America remains uncertain.
While some companies will continue to emphasize inclusion and representation, others may follow Meta and Amazon in quietly scaling back their diversity efforts to avoid legal and political backlash.
Final Thoughts
As the U.S. enters a new political era, the rollback of DEI programs signals a shift in how businesses navigate social responsibility and political influence. Whether this trend will continue or face pushback remains to be seen.
