Trump’s anti-DEI push could stymie groups trying to boost hiring of women in construction

President Donald Trump’s efforts to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs could stymie community-based organizations trying to boost the ranks of women construction workers.

Trump issued anti-DEI executive orders that direct federal agencies to cancel all “equity-related” grants and require government contractors and recipients of federal funds to certify that they don’t operate DEI programs that violate anti-discrimination laws. Those orders pose a fundamental threat to nonprofits with the mission to provide services to historically marginalized communities.

Trump’s orders have prompted lawsuits, including one filed by Chicago Women in Trades, that allege orders are impossible to comply with because of a vague definition over what constitutes “illegal” DEI. About 40% of Chicago Women in Trades’ budget stems from federal funding.

Government agencies, construction companies and labor unions have invested billions of dollars to expand apprenticeships to draw younger workers into the trades. Progress has been slow but steady. Women make up just 4% of skilled trade workers, but that level of participation is nearly 30% higher than in 2018 and a record high.