NASA and State Department Employees Rebrand DEI Programs

Employees at NASA and the U.S. State Department have reportedly found a workaround to continue Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite President Trump’s executive orders aimed at dismantling such programs across federal agencies. These orders, part of a broader policy shift, seek to eliminate what the administration views as divisive or ideologically driven training and activities. However, rather than fully disbanding DEI efforts, some staff members are rebranding them under alternative names like “multicultural activities,” “team-building exercises,” or “workplace collaboration initiatives.”

This subtle shift allows the programs to persist in spirit, if not in name, prompting questions about compliance with federal directives. The situation came to light through undercover videos released by Project Veritas, a group known for controversial exposés, which showed employees discussing these tactics openly. Critics argue this reflects a lack of enforcement power in the executive orders, with some even calling for criminal charges like insubordination against those involved. Supporters of the DEI efforts, meanwhile, suggest they’re adapting to maintain morale and inclusivity in the workplace. The debate has sparked broader discussions about the effectiveness of top-down policy changes and whether stricter measures are needed to ensure compliance.