Trump Administration Dismantled Key Civil Rights Oversight Bodies
The Trump administration, starting in January 2025, enacted measures that significantly weakened two major civil rights enforcement bodies: the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). These actions have curtailed federal scrutiny of workplace and educational discrimination.
On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14173, which revoked previous mandates requiring federal contractors to adhere to affirmative action and diversity promotion. The OFCCP was directed to cease enforcement of these policies, with contractors told to wind down compliance by April 21, 2025. Key federal acquisition regulations were rendered unenforceable, and related diversity, equity, and inclusion language was removed from acquisition procedures.
In parallel, the OCR experienced a dramatic reduction in force. By March 2025, about half of its 575 staff were placed on paid administrative leave, and seven of its 12 regional offices were closed. This downsizing occurred despite a record number of discrimination complaints in 2024, with approximately 90% of student complaints dismissed without review. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated the cost of these staffing changes at up to $38 million for the year 2025.
The GAO report, released on February 2, 2026, noted that some of the Reduction-in-Force actions were paused by November 21, 2025, and rescinded by early January 2026, reflecting ongoing adjustments to the administration's initial policies.