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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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T-Mobile has announced it is the latest company to scrap its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs as it seeks regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for two new business deals that could significantly expand its customer base.
Newsweek contacted T-Mobile for comment via telephone on Thursday outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
Since Donald Trump's presidential election victory in November 2024 a series of major corporations have announced they are terminating or rolling back DEI schemes including Walmart, Tractor Supply and Lowe's.
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Just days after his second presidential inauguration in January, Trump signed an Executive Order ordering federal agencies to end DEI programs and work to "end private sector DEI discrimination."
What To Know
In a letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr which was made public on Wednesday, T-Mobile said it would no longer have any employees or teams focused on DEI and had removed references to DEI from its website and employee training documents.
The company said it was terminating its DEI program "not just in name, but in substance" and said future communications from the company would avoid references to DEI.
Carr, a Trump appointee, told Reuters by text that he welcomed T-Mobile's decision on DEI.
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T-Mobile is currently seeking FCC approval to purchase nearly all the wireless operations of regional provider United States Cellular including customers and stores in a deal valued at $4.4 million.
Separately, T-Mobile wants FCC consent to buy internet service provider Metronet along with investment firm KKR as a joint venture. Metronet provides internet to more than two million customers across 17 states.
What People Are Saying
In a statement sent to Newsweek,Carr said: "T-Mobile has agreed to end its DEI policies as specified in a filing with the FCC. … Another good step forward for equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and the public interest."
Speaking to Reuters Carr added T-Mobile's decision was "another good step forward for equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and the public interest."
In its letter to the FCC, T-Mobile said: "We recognize that the legal and policy landscape surrounding DEI under federal law has changed and we remain fully committed to ensuring that T-Mobile does not have any policies or practices that enable invidious discrimination, whether in fulfillment of DEI or any other purpose.
"We have made … adjustments to ensure our policies and practices maintain close alignment with the direction you've provided and are consistent with nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity laws."
However, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democrat, said: "In yet another cynical bid to win FCC regulatory approval, T-Mobile is making a mockery of its professed commitment to eliminating discrimination, promoting fairness, and amplifying underrepresented voices."
In a press release promoting Trump's Executive Order of January 22 terminating federal DEI programs, the White House said: "President Trump promised to terminate DEI in the federal government, protect equal opportunity, and force schools to end discriminatory admissions policies, and he delivered.
"Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work, individual initiative, and competence can take them. In America, excellence, grit, and determination is our strength."
What Happens Next
More companies may choose to abandon their DEI initiatives as they seek to curry favor with the Trump administration, analysts suggest. It remains to be seen whether the FCC will sign off the proposed new T-Mobile deals.
Update 7/11/25, 3:22 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with a statement from FCC Chair Brendan Carr.
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