Diversity dismissals begin at top US intelligence agency, lawyer says

US intelligence agency orders DEIA officials to resign or face firing

Robert Besser
12 Mar 2025, 23:37 GMT+10

Diversity dismissals begin at top US intelligence agency, lawyer says

Officials working on diversity and inclusion programs at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) have been told to resign or be fired, according to a lawyer representing two of them
It is unclear how many others received the same order
Unlike the CIA, which recently dismissed 51 officers from diversity programs, ODNI is allowing affected employees to appeal to Director Tulsi Gabbard

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Officials working on diversity and inclusion programs at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) have been told to resign or be fired, according to a lawyer representing two of them.

It is unclear how many others received the same order.

Unlike the CIA, which recently dismissed 51 officers from diversity programs, ODNI is allowing affected employees to appeal to Director Tulsi Gabbard. However, they are not allowed to apply for other jobs within the agency.

A federal judge recently upheld President Donald Trump's executive order, which ended diversity programs across the government.

Some ODNI employees were told to report this week to resign, delay resignation until September 30, or be fired after 90 days of paid leave. They can also submit a written appeal.

Meanwhile, the CIA has also fired several employees under new director John Ratcliffe, which some officials warn could harm national security.

These cuts are part of Trump's broader effort to shrink the federal workforce, led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.

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