T-Mobile drops DEI programs, seeks FCC approval for merger

T-Mobile announced it is scrapping its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in a move the company says is both for legal reasons and for internal restructuring. It comes as the major cell carrier seeks federal approval for two business deals.

In a letter sent to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr and made public on Wednesday, the company said it is ending DEI-related policies “not just in name, but in substance," says Reuters.

As part of the shift, employees previously assigned to DEI-specific roles will be reassigned within the Human Resources department to focus more broadly on employee culture and engagement. T-Mobile stated that it will no longer maintain any positions or teams focused solely on DEI initiatives.

"First, the handful of T-Mobile employees who focused on diversity and inclusion will be redirected within Human Resources to focus on employee culture and engagement. As a result, T-Mobile will no longer have any individual roles or teams focused on “DEI.” T-Mobile is also removing any language, logos, or other references to DEI on its websites, and will ensure that company websites and future communications do not have any references to DEI or diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are consistent with T-Mobile’s commitment to promote nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity," the company said in its memo.

The changes come after pressure from the Trump administration, which has pushed back against corporate DEI policies in both public statements and regulatory oversight.

The timing of the announcement is notable, as T-Mobile is currently seeking approval from federal regulators for two significant business transactions.

The company is awaiting approval to buy nearly all of US Cellular’s regional carrier wireless operations, including customers, stores, and other assets in a deal estimated to be worth over $4 billion. Another transaction would establish a joint venture with KKR, that would acquire internet provider Metronet.

Last week, Paramount paid out a $16 million settlement after CBS News’s 60 Minutes edited an interview deceptively with then-Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris, as that company too seeks regulatory approval for a merger with SkyDance.