Vance: “Don’t Apologize For Being White”

Man speaking at a podium, wearing suit and tie.

Trump’s policy to eliminate DEI programs has sparked debates about racial equality and constitutional rights. But it’s happening nonetheless.

Story Highlights

Vice President JD Vance claims the administration has ended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
Vance’s statement at AmericaFest 2025 emphasizes race-neutral policies and merit-based opportunities.
The January 2025 executive order directs federal agencies to dismantle DEI initiatives.
The policy has ignited discussions on constitutional rights and race-based policies.

Vance’s Bold Declaration at AmericaFest

On December 21, 2025, Vice President JD Vance addressed a conservative audience at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. He declared that the Trump–Vance administration had consigned Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to the “dustbin of history.” Vance emphasized that in the United States, individuals no longer have to apologize for their race.

This rhetoric aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to dismantle DEI programs across federal and private sectors, following a January 2025 executive order.

Executive Order: A Shift Toward Merit-Based Policies

The executive order, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” was signed by President Trump in January 2025. It directs federal agencies to terminate DEI and DEIA programs that are inconsistent with civil-rights law. The order emphasizes judging individuals based on merit rather than ethnicity or race, marking a significant policy shift.

Federal agencies have been tasked with removing DEI language from processes and identifying discriminatory DEI practices for enforcement. These actions aim to create a race-neutral environment in education and employment sectors.

Implications and Reactions

The policy has sparked diverse reactions, with supporters viewing it as a restoration of constitutional rights and opponents arguing it could undermine progress in racial equality. Conservative media outlets have amplified Vance’s message, while critics express concerns over potential risks to minorities in education and employment.

Amid these debates, the administration continues to push for a reevaluation of DEI programs, emphasizing a return to merit-based opportunities as a cornerstone of American values.