President Trump took office less than a week ago, and his executive actions, pardons, and threats of tariffs and sanctions are making waves.

In his first days, President Trump’s rapid executive actions and personnel changes have ignited strong reactions across the political spectrum. Within his first week, he issued orders targeting long-standing federal initiatives, challenged norms on diversity and equity programs, and removed independent inspectors general from major agencies. His administration has emphasized a “merit-based” approach to governance, moving away from frameworks focused on racial equity and systemic disparities. These initial moves, including notable pardons and economic warnings through tariff and sanction threats, have sparked debate over their substance and the speed of implementation. These actions set the stage for what is shaping up to be a transformative — and polarizing — era of governance.

As a Christian, my worldview shapes how I interpret these events. I seek truth, act justly, and extend grace. I aim to view each development not just through a political lens but also through scriptural principles that call for integrity, compassion, and fairness. By examining both sides of these pressing issues, I aim to approach them in a way consistent with my faith, recognizing my responsibility to love my neighbor and uphold righteousness in public discourse. My reflections here are not about endorsing or condemning any political figure, but about exploring how the timeless values of how my faith intersects with our new contemporary governance challenges.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have long been central to addressing systemic inequalities and fostering equal opportunities within federal institutions. Rooted in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, these policies gained renewed momentum under President Biden, emphasizing racial equity and representation. This approach seeks to dismantle discriminatory barriers and build a more equitable society.

However, DEI initiatives have sparked significant controversy. The Trump administration has criticized these efforts as discriminatory, arguing they undermine merit-based systems. Recent executive orders aimed to eliminate diversity programs and placed DEI officials on leave, signaling a dramatic shift in federal policy. These debates continue to polarize public discourse, dividing those who view DEI as essential for progress from those who see it as a threat to fairness.

Advocates of DEI view these policies as a continuation of the civil rights movement, essential for correcting systemic inequities that have long disadvantaged underrepresented groups. They argue that removing discriminatory barriers promotes true meritocracy by creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background.

Critics contend that DEI policies often create the very inequality they aim to resolve by prioritizing diversity over merit. They advocate for a “colorblind” approach, where individuals are treated equally without regard to identity. In their view, DEI initiatives distort fairness by emphasizing identity over qualifications, undermining the principles of merit-based systems.

As Christians, we should recognize that the DEI debate offers an opportunity to reflect biblical values in a divided world. Scripture calls believers to:

Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God — Micah 6:8

These principles guide Christians to engage with the challenges of DEI policies not as partisans, but as followers of Christ committed to justice and reconciliation.

Christians can advocate for fairness and justice in practical ways, supporting systems that remove barriers and create equal opportunities for all. This reflects the Biblical command to: 

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. — Proverbs 31:8

Inclusion and reconciliation must also remain central. Regardless of federal policies, Christians can focus on building unity within their communities, recognizing that every individual is made in the image of God (as described in Genesis 1:27). Inclusion goes beyond fairness to honor the inherent worth of every person.

Integrity and compassion are equally vital. By treating others with respect, even amid disagreement, Christians can model Christ’s love for the outsider and the forgotten. Balancing grace and truth, as Jesus did (see John 1:14), allows believers to prioritize relationships over rhetoric and find common ground in divisive conversations.

Ultimately, justice, mercy, and love are not optional for Christians. They are essential to living out faith in a world longing for hope and healing.

Meritocracy and Colorblind Policies

While DEI emphasizes addressing systemic inequalities, meritocracy focuses on advancement based solely on individual ability and achievement. Both perspectives desire fairness but diverge in their approaches.

Meritocracy rests on the idea that fairness comes from impartial criteria like qualifications and performance. A “colorblind” approach aligns with this view, aiming to ensure equal opportunity without prioritizing diverse outcomes. Advocates believe diversity will naturally emerge from a fair system.

Critics argue this perspective overlooks systemic disadvantages stemming from historical injustices like racism, gender discrimination, and economic inequality. Ignoring identity, they warn, perpetuates inequity by failing to address these barriers.

Proponents of meritocracy advocate for a society where identity does not determine opportunity. They see fairness in systems that reward talent, hard work, and character, free from identity-based considerations. Policies prioritizing diversity, they argue, undermine this ideal by introducing factors unrelated to merit.

Critics highlight that not everyone starts on equal footing. Systemic barriers prevent marginalized groups from competing on equal terms. A truly fair system, they argue, requires acknowledging and addressing these inequities rather than ignoring them.

As Christians, we are called to seek justice and fairness, going beyond surface-level equality. Believers can promote systems that uplift the marginalized and ensure everyone has opportunities to thrive.

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression. — Isaiah 1:17

Personal conduct is critical. Christians must model integrity, fairness, and humility, treating others with respect and impartiality. Recognizing past injustices is also vital. Scripture shows God repeatedly calling His people to remember and address wrongdoing, fostering reconciliation and understanding.

By embodying these principles, Christians can reflect God’s justice in a world divided by competing visions of fairness.

Employee Reporting & Fear of Retaliation

Recent directives encouraging federal employees to report colleagues involved in DEI-related activities have created a culture of fear and suspicion. Supporters argue these measures ensure compliance with merit-based policies, but critics compare them to ideological purges that stifle open dialogue and erode trust.

Supporters claim these measures safeguard fairness by rooting out favoritism and reinforcing impartiality. Critics warn they undermine morale, discourage collaboration, and create anxiety about job security. Employees caught in the middle face strained relationships and uncertainty, eroding workplace unity.

Christians are called to foster trust and respect in their interactions, reflecting Christ’s character. 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. — Ephesians 4:29–32

Believers can model grace and understanding, encouraging open conversations instead of divisive practices. By resisting the temptation to participate in harmful behaviors, Christians can restore a sense of unity and purpose.

Finally, Christians must show Christ’s love and compassion, even in hostile environments. By demonstrating patience and humility, believers can point others to the ultimate source of peace and reconciliation.

Join the Conversation

These debates — over DEI, meritocracy, and employee reporting — are not just political. They shape workplace cultures and influence how we treat one another as individuals made in God’s image.

With President Trump’s recent executive actions reshaping these policies, where do you stand? Do his changes reflect fairness and biblical principles, or do they raise concerns about justice and equity? What role should Christians play in promoting integrity and unity during these challenging times?

In Plain Sight
Dave explores how his faith intersects with the world around him, reflecting on culture, politics, and social issues “in…medium.com

References 

1. Prokop, A. (2025, January 22). Trump’s sweeping new order tries to dismantle DEI in government — and the private sector. Vox.
2. Kelley, L. (2025, January 23). Trump Targets His Own Government. The Atlantic.
3. Schneid, R. (2025, January 25). What Is DEI and What Challenges Does It Face Amid Trump’s Executive Orders?Time. 
4. Cruz, L. (2025, January 26). Adam Schiff: Trump ‘broke the law’ in firing inspectors general. Politico. 
5. Copp, T. (2025, January 25). More DEI fallout: Air Force scraps course that used videos of Tuskegee Airmen and female WWII pilots. Associated Press.
6. Aratani, L. (2025, January 26). What we know so far about Trump’s orders on diversity, equity and inclusion. The Guardian.

The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views or positions of my employer.

I’m just a dad who blogs about the intersections of life, faith, family, and technology. These are the threads that weave through my personal and spiritual walk.

© Dave Hallmon on January 29, 2025.