South West Illinois News

Ed McLean, chairman of Monroe County Republicans, said that President Trump's actions are restoring meritocracy to the federal workforce by eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. McLean made his statement to SW Illinois News on February 3rd.

"President Donald Trump's bold actions are finally creating a true meritocracy in the federal workforce, where performance and integrity matter more than woke ideology," said McLean. "By dismantling DEI programs that prioritized race and socioeconomic background over qualifications, he is restoring fairness and opportunity for all. Now, the most capable individuals can rise based on skill, not arbitrary diversity quotas. This is a victory for excellence, a rejection of divisive identity politics, and a long-overdue return to common sense in government!"

In a January 20 executive order published on the White House website, the Office of the President said, "The Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government…. The public release of these plans demonstrated immense public waste and shameful discrimination. That ends today. Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect, and to expending precious taxpayer resources only on making America great."

According to Politico, federal DEI websites went offline on January 22 after the White House warned of "adverse consequences" for agencies failing to report DEI-related details within ten days. The shutdown followed an Office of Personnel Management memo ordering DEI workers on paid leave and instructing agencies to remove DEI media by 5 p.m. Emails sent to multiple departments instructed staff to report any disguised DEI efforts. Agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had previously highlighted DEI’s role in efficiency.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that some Illinois federal employees faced uncertainty after President Donald Trump’s executive order ended federal DEI programs, affecting agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Railroad Retirement Board. The Office of Personnel Management directed agencies to lay off DEI employees and report affected staff while employees on administrative leave await termination. The Sun-Times further reported that a reporting system was set up for those hiding DEI ties.

McLean was first elected chairman in 2016. According to the Monroe County Republicans website, he represents and advocates for the conservative values of the Republican Party. His primary focus is making Monroe County greater and stronger as a community.