Quantcast

New DOT head reverses DEI policies aligning with Trump agenda

New DOT head reverses DEI policies aligning with Trump agenda
Policy
Webp donald
President Donald Trump | Official Website

On January 30, 2025, Sean Duffy, the newly appointed head of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), signed several memorandums aimed at reversing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move aligns with former President Donald Trump's agenda to roll back regulations deemed burdensome and costly.

The DOT stated that these actions are intended to "rescind harmful policies enacted under the Biden-Harris Administration" and focus on safety, efficiency, economic prosperity, and regulatory reform. Duffy emphasized that these steps mark a return to governance based on common sense and merit. He noted that the DOT is working to eliminate excessive regulations that have hindered economic growth and increased expenses for Americans.

"The American people deserve an efficient, safe, and pro-growth transportation system based on sound decision-making, not political ideologies," said Duffy. "These actions will help us deliver on that promise."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The memorandum detailed the cancellation of three departmental orders: the DOT Equity Council, climate change adaptation policy for operational assets, and actions addressing environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. This reflects a broader effort to remove policies related to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, racial equity, gender identity goals, environmental justice or the Justice 40 initiative implemented during the Biden administration.

Numerous stakeholders have raised concerns about this direction as climate change continues to accelerate. The World Meteorological Organization reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record. In the US alone, transportation accounted for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 according to Environmental Protection Agency data.

The DOT's shift in regulation aims to prioritize economic growth by eliminating what it describes as "harmful and restrictive" regulations. However, questions remain regarding whether air travelers' protections will also be targeted under this new approach.

Recently, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit returned a rule from April 2024 requiring airlines and travel agents to disclose fees upfront due to procedural issues identified under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This rule will need revision by Duffy's administration.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced its Employees of the Month at its LAV facility.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group's San Francisco facility recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with its employees.

Oct 28, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a limited-time 20% discount on fares between Addis Ababa and Porto.

Oct 27, 2025

Avianca has announced that passengers are encouraged to register for the Biomig biometric migration system to avoid lines and delays at participating airports in Colombia.

Oct 27, 2025