The FBI closed its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office in December for what President-elect Donald Trump believes are nefarious reasons.
“In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024,” an FBI spokesperson confirmed Thursday in an emailed statement to The Hill.
In a Truth Social post published later Thursday, Trump claimed the FBI closed the office to hide its bad actions from the public.
Trump is suggesting that the FBI shutting down their DEI office is not out of good faith, but rather an attempt to cover up what they have been doing.
They are trying to cover their tracks before Trump and Kash take over.
The rats are panicking. pic.twitter.com/QbTgWeW4Sj
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) January 17, 2025
“We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office,” he wrote. “Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago. Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!”
All this comes after Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn penned a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray earlier this month accusing the agency’s DEI policies of having endangered American lives during the recent New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans.
“I write to express my deep concern regarding the terror attack that occurred in New Orleans on January 1,” she wrote. “To that end, 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.”
“A recent report, drafted by a group of retired FBI agents for the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, indicates that ‘the law enforcement and intelligence capabilities of the FBI are degrading because the FBI is no longer hiring ‘the best and the brightest’ candidates.’ The report also notes that ‘the FBI is selecting [lower quality] candidates to become FBI Special Agents because they satisfy the FBI’s priority to meet Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates,'” she added.
Under Christopher Wray’s leadership, the FBI has prioritized DEI over its core mission of protecting the American people.
On my podcast Unmuted, I spoke with Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker about how Kash Patel will reform the FBI. pic.twitter.com/UUhXb267fE
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 16, 2025
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also bashed the FBI after the New Orleans terror attack.
“Some of these agencies have gotten so wrapped up in the DEI movement. You know, call it wokeness, call it whatever you want,” he said during a radio interview. “But where their main focus is on diversity and inclusion as opposed to security. And they’re two very different things. And we’ve got to get back to that core mission.”
Critics also slammed the FBI for hosting so-called “Diversity Agent Recruiting” events.
#FBINewOrleans is holding a Diversity Agent Recruiting event and we want to meet you! Agents and FBI executives will provide first hand information about a rewarding career. Apply now to see if you qualify for the July 17th event in Metairie, LA here: https://t.co/wOH9dIvZG8 pic.twitter.com/kDCwaTcdbN
— FBI New Orleans (@FBINewOrleans) June 8, 2024
How committed had the FBI been to the tenets of DEI? In 2015, the agency listed “diversity” as a “core value” of the FBI, insisting on its website that the agency was “committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace.”
“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 FBI’s DEI website continued.
“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. Our greatest asset is our people and they are imperative to ensuring the FBI can build trust, uphold the Constitution, and serve all communities,” it added.
Trump for his part vowed last month that he’ll end all federal DEI policies once he assumes office.
“I will end all of the Marxist diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the entire federal government immediately,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee pick for the FBI, Kash Patel, has also bashed the agency, saying last year that he wants to “shut down” the agency’s D.C. headquarters and then “reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.'”
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