FBI Announces Closure of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office
Following the election of President-elect Donald Trump, the FBI announced significant changes, including the closure of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office. The agency confirmed that the office ceased operations in December, shortly after the election.
“In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024,” the agency shared with Fox News.
This decision coincided with growing criticism from some lawmakers. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn addressed FBI Director Christopher Wray in a letter, expressing concerns that "radical" DEI policies had "endangered" Americans. Her letter followed the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
“While the facts surrounding this unconscionable attack continue to emerge, what we know is deeply troubling: the suspect was in possession of weapons, improvised explosive devices, and an ISIS flag. This horrific incident constitutes a blatant act of terror on the American homeland, and the people of our country deserve to know whether federal law enforcement agencies can sufficiently prevent and respond to such incidents,” Senator Blackburn wrote.
She added, “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.”
Blackburn further criticized the Bureau for actions she viewed as misplaced priorities. “Most recently, in a striking example of tone deafness, the New Orleans FBI Field office thought it important to brag on X about how many bracelets its agents had collected. Your decision to prioritize politics, pop culture, or almost anything else over your mission to protect the public has put Americans in harm’s way, and the January 1 terror attack was the inevitable consequence,” she stated.
She concluded her letter by asserting, “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. Fortunately, the American people have spoken, and President Trump will soon bring law and order back to our nation.”
On its website, the FBI had previously emphasized its dedication to diversity, stating: “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. We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people.”
Nicole Parker, a former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor, voiced her opinion that while diversity is important, it should not come at the expense of the agency’s primary responsibilities.
“I appreciate all forms of diversity. Make no mistake of that. What I do not appreciate is when there is a constant push for social justice weaponization at the FBI, whose top priorities are to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” Parker said.
She highlighted FBI Director Christopher Wray’s warnings about national threats being “at an all-time high” and criticized any initiatives diverting attention from core missions. “‘Flashing red lights,’ as he has stated in congressional testimony. There is no time for clubs, groups, or social agendas that divert time, attention, and resources away from the mission of the FBI to protect the American people,” Parker remarked.
Concluding her stance, Parker said, “The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest based solely on meritocracy. Americans deserve the best. The FBI should be focused on being one in fighting crime—not various groups and divisions that divide.”