Trump Administration Moves to Limit DEI in AI Development
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
The Trump administration aims to curb DEI initiatives in AI, labeling them as ‘woke AI.’ This shift could significantly impact tech firms’ strategies globally, spurring industry-wide discourse.
Sweeping Policy Changes and Agency Directives
In a significant policy shift announced on April 3, 2025, the Trump administration issued two comprehensive memoranda through the Office of Management and Budget that fundamentally reshape federal AI governance [1]. The new guidance explicitly removes previous references to AI fairness and safety, instead directing scientists to focus on ‘reducing ideological bias’ [2]. This change comes as the U.S. House Judiciary Committee has issued subpoenas to major tech companies including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI, investigating their efforts to ‘advance equity’ in AI development [2].
Implementation Timeline and Agency Requirements
Federal agencies now face strict deadlines for implementing these changes. Chief AI officers must be appointed by June 2025, with AI governance boards established by July 2025 [3]. The policy mandates that agencies document compliance for high-impact AI use cases within 365 days and ‘safely discontinue’ any noncompliant cases [4]. The General Services Administration has been tasked with creating procurement guides within 100 days and establishing a web-based resource repository within 200 days [4].
Industry Impact and Expert Concerns
The policy shift has raised concerns among AI experts and industry leaders. Harvard sociologist Ellis Monk, who previously collaborated with Google on improving AI image tools for diverse skin tones, expresses worry about potential funding reductions for projects aimed at making technology more inclusive [2]. Quinn Anex-Ries, senior policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology, notes that while core AI governance requirements remain on paper, their practical implementation faces uncertainty [1][4].
International Implications and Future Outlook
The administration’s stance represents a marked departure from global AI development trends, particularly regarding bias mitigation and inclusive AI design. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, has characterized Biden’s previous AI policies as ‘promoting social divisions and redistribution in the name of equity’ [2]. The policy shift comes amid broader changes, including the deletion of AI fairness and ‘responsible AI’ references from the U.S. Commerce Department’s research collaboration appeals [2].