Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 29: The Trump administration has initiated investigations into diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives adopted by major US companies in hiring and promotion practices, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Sunday.

Google and Verizon are among the firms that have reportedly received demands from the US Justice Department seeking documents and details related to their workplace diversity programmes. The report, citing people familiar with the matter, said several other companies across sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, defence and utilities are also under scrutiny.

The investigations are being carried out under the False Claims Act, a federal civil law that enables the government to recover funds lost due to fraud. Some companies have reportedly held in-person meetings with Justice Department officials as part of the probe.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the report, while Google, Verizon and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

After assuming office in January, President Donald Trump moved swiftly to dismantle DEI programmes within federal agencies and discourage their use in the private sector and educational institutions. His administration ordered the removal of diversity officers in federal departments and withdrew grant funding for several diversity-related initiatives.