The federal government is moving swiftly to hire up to 1,200 employees dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with many positions intended to become part of the permanent federal workforce before the Trump administration takes office. According to a Daily Wire analysis, these roles, advertised on USAJobs.gov, offer annual salaries as high as $310,000, potentially amounting to $160 million in yearly salary costs.
In the 10 days following Donald Trump’s election, 33 DEI-related positions were posted, with hiring deadlines closing before his inauguration, reports the Daily Wire.
These roles are designed to operate outside the control of political appointees, securing employees whose objectives align with DEI initiatives the incoming administration has publicly opposed.
For instance, on November 15, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an opening for a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, offering a salary of up to $221,900 annually. This position will oversee programs to ensure they “reflect the principles of workforce diversity” and serve as a principal advisor on minority health issues. Applications for this position closed on November 29, and the Biden administration is currently reviewing candidates.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is offering $310,000 for two senior roles, including a Director of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, tasked with leading the agency’s DEI Strategic Plan and promoting related initiatives. Additionally, the FDIC’s Office of Equal Employment is hiring a director for a similar $310,000 role to implement DEI and employee performance programs.
Other agencies actively hiring for DEI-focused roles include:
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): A $251,258 “supplier diversity officer” position.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS): A Deputy Director for Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity to shape and implement policy.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): A senior DEI policy developer with a salary exceeding $200,000.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH): Recruiting Scientific Diversity Officers and Mental Health Scientific Diversity Officers with salaries near $192,000.
The Pentagon’s Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI): Hiring a $113,800-per-year social media specialist to support diversity efforts.
Critics argue these hires could impose DEI policies on the Trump administration without its approval, as these employees are likely to advocate for initiatives the incoming leadership may not support. For example, DEOMI has previously produced materials such as posters with quotes like, “Diversity: ‘I want to celebrate the richness and diversity of our faith experience in this country.’ – Senator Barack Obama.”
