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Recent polls indicate that Americans increasingly favor the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across various sectors of society. According to an NBC News poll, 49% of voters believe these programs should be discontinued, citing concerns about workplace inefficiencies and an overemphasis on social factors rather than merit-based criteria. In contrast, 48% support maintaining DEI initiatives, viewing them as essential for workplace fairness and innovation.
The poll further revealed that 43% of respondents held negative views toward DEI programs, while 39% expressed positive sentiments, and 14% remained neutral on the issue.
DEI IS 'DEAD': U.S. Federal Housing Director Bill @Pulte blows the lid off more empty buildings draining millions from American taxpayers—proof that only a fraction of federal workers are showing up to the offices you are paying to keep the lights on for. pic.twitter.com/NWSw29XkRu
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 18, 2025
A separate survey conducted by The Economist/YouGov demonstrated similar trends, with 45% of voters backing the termination of DEI programs in educational institutions and government offices. Only 40% opposed such dismantling efforts.
The debate has gained significant momentum following President Donald Trump’s executive action on January 20. “The Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion,’ into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military,” Trump wrote in the executive order.
Trump is abolishing DEI in our air traffic controllers
"We want the most competent people. We don't care what race they are. We want the most competent people."
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) January 30, 2025
Trump’s administration has prioritized the elimination of DEI initiatives across federal agencies, K-12 schools, and universities, characterizing these programs as “radical and wasteful.” While this approach has garnered substantial support among Americans, it has faced strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers.
The shifting sentiment toward DEI programs has already influenced the private sector, with numerous U.S. companies scaling back their diversity initiatives over the past year in response to mounting public scrutiny.
These findings come from two comprehensive surveys: the NBC News poll, conducted from March 7-11, which surveyed 1,000 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, and The Economist/YouGov poll, carried out between January 19-21, which included 1,609 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.
