Kristi Noem Axes Biden-Era DEI Program, Saves DHS $1.5 Million

In a bold move that’s stirring the pot in Washington, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have axed a multimillion-dollar program from the Biden era. Known as Invent2Prevent, this initiative was initially meant to equip students with tools to combat terror and violence in their communities. However, under the previous administration, it took a sharp turn, focusing heavily on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as LGBTQ agendas through partnerships with predominantly far-left organizations.

The decision to cut this program isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a financial win, with DHS estimating savings of over $1.5 million. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, this move aligns with President Trump’s mandate to slash wasteful government spending. She didn’t mince words, calling out the program for funneling taxpayer money to partisan groups like Eradicate Hate, which she accused of profiting off public funds for too long.

This isn’t an isolated action but part of a broader rollback of DEI initiatives that defined much of the Biden administration’s approach. From Biden’s first-day executive order on 'Advancing Equity and Racial Justice Through the Federal Government' to Trump’s immediate counter-order titled 'Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing' signed on January 20, 2025, the ideological tug-of-war is evident. Trump’s administration has gone further, issuing memoranda to purge DEI from sectors like the Foreign Service, emphasizing merit over mandated diversity.

The ripple effect is clear in the private sector too, with major players like Amazon and Goldman Sachs stepping back from Biden-era diversity policies. While DEI practices haven’t vanished entirely, the shift in tone and declining implementation signal a significant change in direction. For now, the Invent2Prevent website stands as a digital relic, marked with a banner of archived content, a quiet testament to a policy battle still unfolding.