“These programs divide Americans by race, waste taxpayer dollars, and result in shameful discrimination,” reads the memo from DHS acting secretary Benjamine C. Huffman, which was sent out on Wednesday.
DEI has been controversial across the government for years, but came under particular scrutiny at DHS following a nearly successful assassination attempt against President Donald Trump last July. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle came under fire for her diversity initiatives, including a pledge to make 30% of the agency, which is part of DHS, female by 2030.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) called Cheatle a “DEI hire,” and the 2023-2027 strategic plan from the Secret Service pushed “diversity” to the top of the agency’s priority list. Cheatle resigned after facing bipartisan criticism at a Congressional hearing.
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