Here’s a recap of Trump actions so far that affect HR professionals and the U.S. workforce.
Ginger Christ Editor
President Donald Trump talks to reporters in the Oval Office after signing an executive order on Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The president has signed a slew of executive orders since taking office. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
The first two weeks of Donald Trump’s second presidency have included an eruption of executive orders and moves that alter the work landscape for employers and employees alike.
From high-level firings of agency heads to new directions on legislative enforcement to the dismantling of various federal departments, there is no shortage of changes to track.
Here’s a recap of Trump actions so far that affect HR professionals and the U.S. workforce.
Which topics are you following the closest? What topics would you like to see HR Dive report on more? Send us an email at hr.dive.editors@industrydive.com.
- Firing of EEOC commissioners may test 90-year-old SCOTUS ruling on presidential powersBy Laurel Kalser • Feb. 3, 2025Legal experts predict litigation may lead to the overturning of a 1935 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that protects members of independent government boards from being removed by the president at will. Read the full article ➔
- EEOC tells its workers to halt LGBTQ+ discrimination claim processingBy Ryan Golden and Kate Tornone • Jan. 30, 2025The news comes just days after the Trump administration’s controversial purge of Democratic officials at the commission. Read the full article ➔
- Trump administration offers buyouts to federal workersBy Ginger Christ • Jan. 29, 2025An OPM spokesperson confirmed to HR Dive that the administration expects 5% to 10% of federal employees to accept the offer, saving $100 billion. Read the full article ➔
- EEOC Acting Chair Lucas says agency must rescind anti-harassment guidanceBy Emilie Shumway • Jan. 29, 2025Andrea Lucas voted against the anti-harassment guidance last year, taking issue with sections related to sex-segregated facilities and pronoun usage. Read the full article ➔
- DOL pauses contractor hiring discrimination enforcement after Trump orderBy Ryan Golden • Jan. 27, 2025The decision is the result of a Jan. 22 executive order that rescinded a half-century-old effort to prohibit discrimination by federal contractors. Read the full article ➔
- Employers shouldn’t abandon diversity efforts, SHRM saysBy Emilie Shumway • Jan. 24, 2025In a Friday media briefing, SHRM executive Emily Dickens highlighted the importance of compliance as President Donald Trump comes after DEI. Read the full article ➔
- ‘The binary nature of sex’: Trump launches attack on trans workers via executive ordersBy Caroline Colvin • Jan. 22, 2025In two executive orders, President Donald Trump seeks to reset the narrative on gender — including at work. Read the full article ➔
- Trump rescinds Biden-era AI executive orderBy Alexei Alexis • Jan. 21, 2025The move, which fulfills a Trump campaign pledge, potentially signals a less restrictive AI policy under his administration. Read the full article ➔
- Trump eliminates remote work for feds, institutes hiring freezeBy Kathryn Moody • Jan. 21, 2025On top of the freeze, Trump directed OMB to submit a plan to reduce the size of the federal workforce. Read the full article ➔
- Trump executive orders torch Biden’s DEI initiativesBy Ryan Golden • Jan. 21, 2025The 47th president promptly axed federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs after repeatedly promising to do so on the campaign trail. Read the full article ➔
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