It seems like diversity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are taking a backseat at some of the biggest names in the tech world. Meta Platforms and Amazon, two giants in the industry, are scaling back their DEI efforts. This move aligns with a broader trend among major U.S. companies, seemingly bracing for political and cultural shifts as Donald Trump eyes a return to the White House—a figure known for his vocal opposition to “woke” policies.
Meta’s DEI Exit: A Changing Landscape
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is pulling the plug on its DEI programs, citing a “changing legal and policy landscape.” According to an internal memo shared with Axios, the Supreme Court’s recent decisions have signaled a shift in how DEI initiatives are perceived legally.
Janelle Gale, Meta’s VP of Human Resources, reportedly explained in the memo:
“The term ‘DEI’ has become charged, in part because it’s understood by some as suggesting preferential treatment for certain groups over others.”
This isn’t the only notable shift at Meta. The company recently announced it would stop fact-checking on its platforms, a move seen as catering to critics on the right. Adding fuel to the speculation, Meta welcomed UFC CEO and Trump ally Dana White to its board, a move interpreted as an effort to curry favor with the former president’s circle.
Amazon’s Pivot on Inclusion
Amazon is also dialing back its DEI initiatives. In December, the company announced plans to “wind down outdated programs and materials” related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A company memo shared with FOX Business noted:
“We’re focusing on programs with proven outcomes and aiming to foster a truly inclusive culture.”
Additionally, Amazon removed website sections outlining its support for initiatives like “Equity for Black people” and LGBTQ+ rights.
Both Meta and Amazon have made significant political contributions in the past, each donating $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund—a fact that raises eyebrows as their recent moves align with a more conservative agenda.
The Bigger Picture: DEI Rollbacks Across Industries
The retreat from DEI isn’t limited to tech. Other corporate giants, including McDonald’s, Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson, have scaled back equity initiatives amid boycott threats and conservative pushback.
A Complicated History
Meta’s shift is particularly striking, given its tangled relationship with Trump. While Facebook played a key role in Trump’s 2016 campaign, the relationship soured after Trump’s accounts were suspended following the January 6 Capitol riot. By 2023, Facebook reinstated Trump’s account, but not without controversy.
In his book Save America, Trump even threatened to jail Mark Zuckerberg, accusing him—without evidence—of meddling in the 2020 election.
Why It Matters
These decisions are more than just corporate strategy—they reflect the broader cultural and political tides shaping the business world. Whether these moves signal a new era of inclusion or a retreat under pressure remains to be seen.
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