People have just realized what the employment act Donald Trump revoked actually means for workers now

Online Debate Erupts Over Trump’s Revocation of Employment Protections
Discussions are heating up online regarding the implications of President Donald Trump’s recent move to revoke a longstanding employment order, sparking widespread debate about what it truly means for workers across the country.
After officially taking office on Monday, January 20, President Trump quickly settled into his role, signing 25 executive orders within hours. Among his actions were halting the TikTok ban, revising immigration laws, and introducing policies asserting there are “only two genders.” However, one of the most polarizing decisions came on Tuesday, January 21, when Trump approved a proposal targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government.
The executive order, aimed at dismantling what Trump referred to as “radical and wasteful government DEI programs,” included the revocation of Executive Order 11246, originally issued in 1965. This order, which has long been a cornerstone of workplace discrimination protections, prohibited employers from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Trump’s decision signals the immediate termination of DEI initiatives within the Department of Labor and the reassignment or paid leave of employees overseeing these programs, according to The New Republic.
What the Revocation Means
Trump’s directive explicitly calls for agencies to identify up to nine civil compliance investigations targeting publicly traded corporations, large nonprofit organizations, foundations with assets exceeding $500 million, state and local bar associations, medical associations, and higher education institutions with endowments over $1 billion. The goal, according to Trump, is to prevent companies from making hiring or promotion decisions influenced by race or gender, framing the initiative as a move toward “merit-based fairness.”
The directive has drawn significant backlash online, with critics arguing it undermines protections for marginalized groups. One Twitter user commented, “Good for straight white males. Bad for everyone else.” Public opposition has grown, with many urging the administration to reconsider the policy.
Perspectives on the Controversy
Political strategist and policy advisor Basil Smikle Jr. criticized the move, stating, “There’s a clear effort to hinder, if not erode, the political and economic power of people of color and women. What it does is open the door for more cronyism.” Advocates for DEI programs argue that these initiatives are essential for ensuring equitable opportunities in the workplace, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
However, not everyone opposes the changes. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy defended Trump’s decision, stating, “The best way to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race or gender is to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race and gender. The truth is the American people don’t think about race or gender nearly as much as some folks in Washington want to pretend.”
Broader Implications
The revocation of Executive Order 11246 marks a significant shift in federal employment policy, signaling a departure from decades of efforts to address systemic inequality in hiring and promotion practices. While Trump and his supporters argue that the move promotes fairness and eliminates perceived reverse discrimination, opponents fear it will roll back progress in workplace diversity and inclusion, disproportionately impacting people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
As the debate continues, the broader implications of Trump’s decision remain unclear. Will it lead to greater fairness, as its proponents suggest, or will it dismantle hard-won protections for marginalized communities? One thing is certain: the controversy highlights the deep divisions in how Americans view issues of equality, meritocracy, and the role of government in shaping workplace policies.