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Trump Revokes EO 11246, Orders FAA to End DEI Initiatives and Focus on Merit-Based Hiring for Critical Safety Positions

Jan 22, 2025, 04:46 AM

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to immediately return to non-discriminatory, merit-based hiring practices, rescinding all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The order mandates that the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administrator focus on hiring based on individual capability, competence, achievement, and dedication. Trump's directive also requires a review of the past performance and performance standards of all individuals in critical safety positions within the FAA, ensuring that only high-capability individuals are retained to maintain top-notch air safety and efficiency. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle federal DEI programs, following the revocation of Executive Order 11246, which established affirmative action in federal contracting and publicly-funded universities. The FAA oversees safety for more than 45,000 flights and 2.9 million airline passengers daily, and the prior administration's policies included recruiting individuals with serious infirmities, which Trump considers illegal discrimination.