Federal Employees Face Deadline to Remove Pronouns from Email Signatures
Federal employees are racing against the clock to comply with President Trump's latest executive orders. By 5 p.m. this Friday, they must eliminate gender pronouns from their email signatures. This directive stems from two executive orders Trump signed upon returning to office, aimed at dismantling what he terms "radical and wasteful" DEI programs.
The orders assert: "Sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality." Trump's goal is to restore what he calls "biological truth," limiting recognition to just two sexes — male and female.
At agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Transportation, employees are scrambling to implement these changes while managing their regular duties. The memo states:
"Pronouns and any information not permitted must be removed."
The impact extends beyond email signatures. The orders target everything from grant applications to official communications, requiring the removal of all mentions of gender diversity. At the Office of Personnel Management, the policy instructs to "Turn off features that prompt users for their pronouns."
Agencies must comply with the orders by noon on Friday, February 7, listing the actions they've taken in response to these executive directives.
Reactions and Implications of Trump's Pronoun Ban
President Trump's supporters are likely viewing these new executive orders as a masterstroke. They see it as a return to "traditional values" and a way to bring order to what they perceive as chaos brought on by previous administrations.
In a twist that might amuse some, former Administration officials who once proudly displayed their pronouns are now quietly removing them. It's as if the "pronoun party" is being shown the door!
In government offices, there's a mix of reactions. At the Department of Transportation, employees are juggling the aftermath of a D.C. plane crash while processing this new directive. It's like solving a puzzle with missing pieces – challenging but necessary.
- Some view these changes as a much-needed cleanup of Federal policy
- Others see it as a significant shift in government ethos
- Hushed conversations about the restrictive nature of these changes can be overheard in agency cafeterias
This directive is just one part of President Trump's broader plan. His declared aim is to restore what he calls the "real biological order." It's a bold move, characteristic of Trump's leadership style, and it's sure to keep everyone on their toes as we watch this new chapter in American governance unfold.
Federal Agencies Adapt to New Policy Landscape
Federal agencies are now adapting to this new landscape. On the ground, there's a mix of uncertainty and adjustment as employees pivot to implement these policy changes while keeping the government running smoothly.
At agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Energy, there's a noticeable shift in workplace dynamics. Some staff members, who appreciated the previous inclusive climate, are now grappling with mandates that prioritize biological facts over personal expression.
Operational Challenges:
- Stripping DEI language from communications
- Revising grant applications
- Updating official communications
- Reprogramming the agency culture
These changes require an overhaul of standard procedures. It's as if every document must pass through a filter that removes specific language, leaving behind a more streamlined framework.
While the corridors of power echo with these new edicts, agencies must maintain their critical projects and investigations. The real test lies in their ability to adapt and continue serving the nation while reflecting this new era of leadership. It's another chapter in the ongoing story of American governance, full of complexity and unfolding narratives.
- ABC News. Federal employees ordered to remove pronouns from email signatures. January 31, 2025.
- Office of Personnel Management. Memo on Compliance with Executive Orders. February 2025.
- Trump D. Executive Order on Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. January 30, 2025.