The March 26, 2026 Executive Order on Federal Contractors and Diversity, Equity Inclusion, and Accessibility: What You Need to Know

The Trump administration has repeatedly sought to remove requirements ensuring equal opportunity in federal contracting and to pressure companies that do business with the government to end all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs. The March 26, 2026 Executive Order “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors” is the latest in this series of attacks. As with other executive orders, guidance documents, and actions, the Trump administration seeks to pressure federal contractors to preemptively end programs designed to eliminate barriers for Black workers and workers of color. Even though the EO applies to federal contractors, courts have repeatedly blocked similar certification requirements about DEIA by the administration in federal agreements. No EO can change federal law or the Constitution.

The March 26, 2026 Executive Order requires federal agencies to add new terms to agreements with federal contractors. Unlike prior executive orders and other actions by the Trump administration, by its terms, the March 26, 2026 Executive Order applies only to federal contractors—individuals or companies providing goods or services to the government—not recipients of grants, loans, or other forms of federal financial assistance. Many DEIA initiatives do not involve decisions based on race. The law permits actions to remedy discrimination, and rolling back DEIA programs can increase contractors' risk of liability for discrimination.