For over a decade, military veterans employed by the U.S. State Department have found a sense of community and support through a volunteer resource group called Veterans@State. This group has provided a space for veterans to connect with mentors, discuss mental health and other challenges, and participate in community service activities tailored to their unique experiences. However, the group’s activities, along with dozens of other employee affinity groups across federal departments, have been put on indefinite pause due to an executive order by President Donald Trump. The order aims to end what Trump describes as “discriminatory and illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government.
The pause on Veterans@State and other groups was communicated through an email from the group’s board, which stated that all planned events, meetings, and activities must be canceled until further notice. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that all employee organizations have been notified of this temporary halt to ensure compliance with the executive order. The affected groups include those focused on supporting women, LGBTQ employees, people with disabilities, and even a Christian group called GRACE, which was established during Trump’s first term. Employees involved in DEI initiatives across the federal government have expressed widespread concern and alarm over the mandate, fearing it could undermine efforts to create a more inclusive workplace.
One of the most striking impacts of Trump’s order is its effect on military veterans, a group often praised by the administration for their service and sacrifices. Devin Banks, a former State Department employee and retired Air Force officer, expressed disappointment over the pause on Veterans@State activities. He emphasized that the group’s gatherings were held during lunch hours and did not use taxpayer funds. Banks, who served in Afghanistan and Somalia, argued that the group was not about DEI but about providing a space for veterans to connect and support one another. He stressed that veterans should not be seen as “DEI hires” but as exemplars of meritocracy, given their leadership skills and loyal service to the country.
Another State Department employee, a disabled veteran who wished to remain anonymous, shared how much she relied on Veterans@State and other support groups to navigate her career and manage the challenges of her service, including mental health struggles. She believes that all employee affinity groups, not just those for veterans, are essential for building morale and fostering camaraderie. “To have someone to relate to about what we’ve been through, our injuries, our mental health, after having served, was instrumental in knowing I wasn’t alone,” she said. Her story highlights the critical role these groups play in supporting employees who face unique challenges.
Veterans@State, established in 2014, has been one of the most active affinity groups within the State Department, serving approximately 7,100 veteran employees. Troy Taylor, a veteran and former office director at the State Department, founded the group to act as a liaison between veteran employees and the broader agency. He emphasized that the group’s activities have improved recruitment, professional development, and employee retention. Taylor also noted that veterans bring unique skills to the State Department, such as cross-cultural communication and crisis management, which are honed through military service. He warned that dismantling these groups would undermine the diplomatic mission and deprive the agency of essential perspectives at a critical time.
The controversy over Trump’s executive order has sparked a broader debate about the value of DEI initiatives and affinity groups within the federal government. While the White House has framed the decision as a commitment to meritocracy and a rejection of what it calls “divisive” DEI practices, many veterans and federal employees argue that these groups are vital for fostering inclusion and supporting employees with unique experiences. The pause on Veterans@State and other groups has left many feeling confused and frustrated, particularly given the administration’s rhetoric about supporting veterans. As the federal government navigates this uncertain landscape, the future of these groups—and the employees they support—remains in question.
