The FBI quietly closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) in late December following Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, aligning with his campaign promise to roll back DEI initiatives nationwide. Despite initial attempts to keep the decision under wraps, the agency has now admitted that the closure took place, and Trump is demanding that they preserve records of departmental activities for possible investigation.
“In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024,” the FBI said in a statement to Fox News without providing an explanation for the decision. The agency also did not address whether President-elect Trump’s impending inauguration played a role in the decision.
Over on his Truth Social page, Trump made his stance on the issue clear.
“We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago,” Trump wrote. “Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!”
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The FBI’s move has also been met with criticism from Republican lawmakers, who claim that the agency’s focus on DEI has compromised national security, particularly in light of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
Senator Marsha Blackburn, who has been vocal in her opposition to DEI programs in general, suggested earlier this month that DEI priorities have led to the FBI hiring less qualified candidates, thus endangering public safety.
“I am deeply concerned that—under your leadership—the Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people,” Balckburn wrote in the Jan. 3 letter to FBI director Christoper Wray. “Put simply, your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security and the lives of all Americans. Americans now feel increasingly unsafe because of incidents like the January 1 terror attack, and the FBI’s prioritization of diversity over competence shows that their concerns are well founded.”
Despite the closure, the FBI had maintained that diversifying its workforce was essential for effective operations and had previously listed DEI initiatives on its website. “Diversity” has been listed as a departmental core value since at least 2015.
“We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience,” the website reads. “We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people. We also understand we have work to do. We stand committed, as today’s FBI, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.”
The closure reflects broader political pressure to shift the agency’s focus back to its core mission of ensuring public safety.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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