Trump Administration Probes Corporate Diversity Programs Under False Claims Act — Report

The Trump administration has launched investigations into diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in hiring and promotion at several major U.S. companies, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. According to the report, Google and Verizon are among the firms that have received Justice Department requests for documents related to their workplace programs, citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report, and neither the companies nor the Justice Department responded to requests for comment.

The inquiries are being pursued under the False Claims Act, a federal civil law that allows the government to recover funds lost due to fraud, the report said. Firms across sectors including automotive, pharmaceuticals, defense and utilities are reportedly under scrutiny, with some companies said to have met in person with Justice Department officials as part of the review process.

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has moved to roll back federal DEI programs and discourage similar initiatives in the private sector and education, including directing the dismissal of diversity officers at federal agencies and withdrawing grant funding for a range of related programs, the report added.

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