
President Donald Trump is demanding the FBI be held accountable after the agency abruptly shut down its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) just before his inauguration. Trump believes the timing of the closure points to deeper issues within the FBI and accused the agency of corruption.
“We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!”
The FBI confirmed to Fox News that it had closed the ODI in December 2024 but offered no explanation for its decision. This sudden move has sparked concerns, especially given the office’s closure just before the transfer of power.
We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago. Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 17, 2025
Trump has consistently criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, calling them unnecessary distractions from federal agencies’ core missions. During his campaign, he pledged to dismantle these programs and penalize universities that promote what he describes as “leftist indoctrination.”
🚨Trump orders the FBI to preserve ALL records related to the DEI office they’re shutting down. pic.twitter.com/1JdIMGU8oW
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 17, 2025
Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, has also expressed strong opposition to DEI initiatives. Patel has argued that such programs take focus away from national security priorities and law enforcement operations.
🚨BREAKING: The FBI has officially SHUTTERED its DEI office according to Fox News.
President Trump and Kash Patel are already putting up wins before taking power.
🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/XXukMWnQXj
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 16, 2025
Adding to the criticism, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) recently wrote to outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray, warning that the agency’s DEI efforts could threaten public safety. She claimed the FBI was prioritizing political agendas over protecting the American people.
DEI offices in several institutions have faced growing backlash in recent months, leading to closures and cutbacks nationwide.