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Politics

Red States Crack Down on DEI as Trump Sparks Nationwide Culture War

Donald Trump in a blue suit speaking into a microphone, gesturing with his right hand on stage with a green background.
U.S President Donald Trump

A sweeping political movement against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is gaining momentum in Republican-led states across the U.S., echoing former President Donald Trump‘s intensified campaign against what he calls “woke ideology.” From West Virginia to Tennessee, statehouses are adopting legislation that either limits or outright bans DEI initiatives in government, education, and public institutions.

West Virginia Declares DEI ‘Dead’

Shortly after assuming office, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey took a bold step by abolishing DEI practices in state government through an executive order. By May, his decision had turned into law.

“I pledged to root out DEI,” Morrisey declared during a ceremonial bill signing. “We followed through, and DEI is now officially dead in the Mountain State.”

This legislative direction aligns with Trump’s broader strategy, making DEI the latest battleground in America’s culture war.

Republican States Mirror Trump’s Anti-DEI Agenda

At least 25 GOP-led states are considering or enacting laws aimed at restricting DEI practices, especially in public education and local governance. According to Bill Kramer of MultiState, more than 100 anti-DEI bills have been introduced across the country so far in 2025.

This week alone, Iowa passed legislation banning DEI offices, sending it to Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds for approval. Similar moves have occurred in Arkansas, Indiana, and Tennessee.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas labeled DEI programs “woke nonsense” and emphasized the need for government to focus on core services, not ideological agendas.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a bill banning public institutions from using race or religion in hiring, further cementing Republican states’ efforts to phase out identity-based policies.

Conservative Think Tanks Fuel Anti-DEI Drafting

Much of this wave is powered by conservative think tanks and policy groups. Leaders like Russell Vought and Stephen Miller, both Trump allies, argue that DEI programs unlawfully prioritize identity over individual merit. They claim these initiatives reverse-discriminate and perpetuate division rather than equality.

Wade Miller of the Center for Renewing America praised state lawmakers for helping dismantle what he called “discriminatory DEI systems.”

Trump himself issued executive orders targeting DEI programs immediately after his January 2025 inauguration, reinforcing his campaign promises to fight what he described as “anti-White” bias.

Democrats Push Back: “This Is a Step Backward”

While red states roll back DEI, Democratic lawmakers and activists warn of dangerous consequences. They argue that eliminating diversity initiatives ignores systemic inequities that persist in hiring and public service.

In Tennessee, Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari condemned the recent “Dismantle DEI Act,” which removes DEI considerations in hiring and employment. She described the legislation as a regressive move that threatens to erase hard-won progress.

“It’s unfortunate that DEI has become a weapon in partisan politics,” Akbari said. “These principles ensure that qualified candidates from all backgrounds have equal access to opportunities.”

Her fellow Democratic senator, London Lamar, and other lawmakers argue the laws silence marginalized voices and reverse gains achieved over decades.

Blue States Defend DEI Initiatives

Not all states are retreating. In contrast, blue states like Arizona and Michigan are doubling down on DEI policies. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs recently vetoed two Republican-backed bills aimed at dismantling DEI offices and practices, defending merit-based hiring already embedded in state systems.

In Michigan, a bill promoting objective hiring metrics sparked confusion over its alignment. Though sponsored by Democrats, its origins traced back to a Republican proposal. Democrat Rep. Erin Byrnes reframed the bill as a pro-DEI initiative, asserting that merit and diversity are not mutually exclusive.

“House Republicans in Michigan voted yes on a DEI bill. I love that for them,” Byrnes said. “We’ve debunked the myth that merit and diversity conflict.”

The DEI Debate: A Divided Nation

The debate over DEI policies highlights a deeply polarized political climate. Of the 426 DEI-related bills tracked in 2025, 221 support DEI while 205 oppose it, according to the nonprofit American Pride Rises.

For some, like Tennessee Rep. Larry Miller, DEI represents personal and collective progress. “I am a product of DEI,” said the longest-serving member of the Tennessee House. “Eliminating it erases my history—and our shared progress.”

As both red and blue states continue to stake firm positions, the future of DEI policies will likely remain a key political flashpoint heading into the 2026 midterms.

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