The FBI quietly closed its controversial Office of Diversity and Inclusion one month after Donald Trump’s landslide election victory — and the hush-hush nature of the shutdown prompted immediate demands from the president-elect to preserve all records.
“In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024,” the FBI told Fox News Digital Thursday.
Trump demanded the FBI preserve all the records from the office.
“We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn told The New York Post, “The question is why were they allowed to be focused on DEI in the first place? The FBI should be focused on catching criminals, not winning participation trophies.”
In a January 3 letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Blackburn wrote, “I am deeply concerned that—under your leadership—the Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people.”
Former FBI special agent Nicole Parker told Fox News Digital, “DEI is a dangerous distraction. I have no issue in celebrating whatever you would like regarding your heritage or gender or religion. But that should be done on your own time and not with the U.S. taxpayers’ dollars.”
“The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest based solely on meritocracy,” Parker added. “Americans deserve the best.”
The office, created in 2012 during the Obama administration, appointed its first chief diversity officer, Scott McMillion, in 2021.
Wray announced his resignation in December with nearly three years remaining in his term. Trump has nominated Kash Patel as his replacement as FBI director.
The FBI’s diversity webpage, still active Thursday, states: “We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making.”
Republicans linked the office to criticism of the FBI’s response to the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans that killed 15 people, and said they’re focused more on feelgood DEI initiatives than stopping actual crime.
“Put simply, your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security,” Blackburn wrote to Wray.