Trump’s DEI policy rollback reshapes global corporate landscape
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is causing ripples internationally.
Although companies like Roche Holding AG and Nissan Motor Co. have dialed back DEI policies stateside, they maintain diversity efforts abroad.
Volvo AB is championing a meritocracy-based hiring policy while continuing its tecHER program, a testament to the stealth-like persistence of DEI outside the U.S.
International regulatory environment
In contrast to the uncertain legal landscape in the U.S., international compliance with diversity regulations remains.
Countries across Europe, Asia, and Australia enforce laws that mandate diverse hiring practices and gender equality measures. For instance, Japan aims for women to hold 30% of director roles by 2030, while European firms must disclose gender pay gaps and ensure equal opportunity in the workforce.
Corporate strategy adjustments
Despite outward compliance, many companies are quietly revising their U.S. diversity statements and strategies, especially those with government contracts at risk. More than 15 U.S. companies have subtly altered their annual diversity disclosures, and discussions of DEI are increasingly omitted from European earnings calls.
“People are trying to pivot. They’re trying to keep up with what’s going on but without losing sight of that ultimate goal of inclusive workplaces,” said Zamena Ladak, senior vice president for DEI and business development at Assemble HR Consulting.
Global corporate response
Accenture, Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Walmart, and Lowe’s are among the large corporations that retracted their DEI commitments post-Trump’s election. The U.S. president has criticized these programs as “absolute nonsense” and discriminatory, issuing executive orders to eliminate federal DEI initiatives.
However, surveys show that DEI initiatives are proving to be powerful tools for increasing productivity and retaining talent in the workplace.
In response to these shifts, Costco, Apple, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank, and JPMorgan Chase continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion globally.
