 "President Donald Trump irked about Apple not killing DEI initiatives, may sign executive order soon")
Donald Trump is once again voicing his discontent with corporate diversity policies, this time taking aim at Apple. The former US president has expressed frustration over Apple’s decision to keep its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives intact, following a shareholder meeting where the company firmly stood by its existing policies. His response, posted on Truth Social, comes amid his broader push against DEI efforts across both the public and private sectors.
Apple’s stance on DEI has remained unwavering, despite pressure from conservative groups like the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), which had proposed changes to the company’s approach. But during the annual shareholder meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook made it clear that the company would only modify its policies if legally required to do so. Shareholders overwhelmingly backed the company’s current approach, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a workplace culture of inclusion.
Apple’s firm stand on DEI
Cook had anticipated the pushback and reassured shareholders that Apple’s guiding principles would not be compromised. He emphasised that while legal shifts could prompt adjustments in the future, Apple’s dedication to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace would not waver. According to him, the company’s long-standing commitment to diversity has played a crucial role in its success, and with a market valuation of $3.7 trillion as of late February, Apple’s business performance doesn’t suggest otherwise.
Despite criticisms from Trump and conservative think tanks, Apple maintains that it does not enforce hiring quotas based on DEI initiatives. Instead, the company focuses on fostering an inclusive work environment where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive. While other major corporations, including Meta, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, have scaled back or eliminated their DEI programs in response to changing political winds, Apple appears determined to stay the course.
A potential executive order in the works?
Trump’s frustration with Apple aligns with his broader efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives nationwide. In recent months, he has called for an end to diversity-focused programs in both government and private businesses, arguing that they unfairly disadvantage other groups. Given his history of issuing executive orders to shape policy, there is growing speculation about whether he could take further action against DEI programs if re-elected.
While it remains unclear if Trump will attempt to push legislation targeting corporate diversity policies, his reaction to Apple’s decision signals that the battle over DEI is far from over. For now, Apple seems unfazed by the pressure, standing firm in its belief that inclusivity is a strength—not a liability.
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