On March 19, 2025, Donald Trump issued a memorandum aimed at removing divisive and discriminatory policies that have infiltrated the Federal Government’s Foreign Service over the past four years. The memorandum highlights a significant shift in hiring practices, emphasizing a merit-based system in foreign policy positions, similar to other government sectors. This action is part of a broader initiative to eliminate what Trump identifies as ‘discriminatory equity ideology.’
**Policy Overview**
The new policy mandates immediate revisions to the decision criteria for tenure and promotion within the Foreign Service, effectively striking any mandate related to ‘Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility’ from official guidelines. The Secretary of State and other key officials are instructed to ensure that recruitment and promotion decisions are free from biases related to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
**Impact on Foreign Service Recruitment**
In the memorandum, Trump directs the secretaries to halt any practices related to equity ideology that promote discrimination, stating that such considerations should not influence hiring or promotion decisions. Additionally, the memorandum lays out potential disciplinary actions for current Foreign Service Members found to have engaged in illegal discrimination, ensuring that accountability is maintained within the Foreign Service.
**Broader Context**
This memorandum comes in the wake of Executive Order 14190, which aimed to end what Trump describes as ‘radical indoctrination,’ setting the groundwork for this policy shift. The memo underscores Trump’s commitment to fundamentally change how the Federal Government engages with diversity and equality, reinforcing the principle that merit should be the primary criterion for employment in governmental roles.
**Conclusion**
Donald Trump’s bold action to reform the Foreign Service is a reflection of his broader vision for the Federal Government’s hiring landscape. By removing the focus on equity ideology, Trump aims to pivot the narrative towards one that prioritizes professionalism and performance in the ranks of the Foreign Service, potentially reshaping its operational dynamics for years to come.