President Donald Trump's recent executive order placing all federal DEI employees on paid leave has led to scrutiny of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Critics argue that the ATF has bypassed this mandate by altering job titles rather than complying fully.
The ATF is accused of renaming its ex-chief diversity officer while President Trump directed the removal of all federal DEI personnel, Fox News reported.
The controversy centers around Lisa T. Boykin, formerly the ATF's chief diversity officer, who now holds the title "senior executive" according to the agency's online personnel listings. This alteration took place shortly after the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed federal entities to shut down DEI offices as of January 21, 2025, coinciding closely with the implementation date of Trump's order.
Critics see this as an apparent work-around of the President's directive, arguing that the ATF is deliberately acting in defiance.
Social media users have voiced strong opposition, suggesting the agency is deliberately working around Trump's order. Missouri Representative Eric Burlison, a Republican, has been a vocal critic, stating: "The ATF defied @realDonaldTrump’s order to place DEI workers on leave, instead giving their DEI officer a new title. They attack citizens’ rights, ignore leadership, and act as though they’re above the law. Enough is enough. Time to abolish the ATF!"
Lisa T. Boykin's biography presents a continued emphasis on enhancing DEIA within the Bureau, outlining her responsibilities with DEIA programs and mandates. Although her role title has changed, her duties reportedly remain focused on DEIA efforts.
This perceived inconsistency with the official mandate has fueled suspicions of the ATF's true adherence to the Trump administration's policies.
The ATF maintains that it has followed the necessary protocols outlined by OPM and has met compliance measures. "ATF began implementing OPM’s Initial Guidance on DEIA immediately after its issuance on January 21, 2025, in response to the President’s Executive Orders. We have proactively taken the necessary steps to ensure compliance with this guidance, including by placing impacted personnel on administrative leave," noted an ATF spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Fox News Digital has sought further clarification regarding Boykin's current title and whether she has indeed been placed on leave. They have not yet received a reply to these inquiries. Lisa T. Boykin's automatic email response currently indicates she is unavailable and unable to respond.
Lisa T. Boykin has been with the Bureau since 2016 and has occupied the position of chief diversity officer since 2021. Her role transformation occurs amidst conflicting narratives about the federal government's commitment to DEI values. Previous statements by President Joe Biden in 2021 highlighted his intent to reaffirm the federal commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives in contrast to past restrictions.
An OPM directive clearly outlined that federal agencies are to cease all DEIA-related initiatives immediately while placing those employees on paid administrative leave. Against this backdrop, criticism continues to mount over how agencies like the ATF are interpreting and executing these orders.
President Trump's executive order forms part of his broader effort to dismantle DEI initiatives within federal departments and places all DEI staff on leave. The ATF's actions in response to this have drawn mixed reactions, spotlighting the complexity of implementing such sweeping changes across federal institutions.
In summary, allegations against the ATF for supposedly bypassing President Trump's executive order by changing job titles instead of placing DEI personnel on leave continue to stir debate. While the ATF insists on its compliance, questions about their actual adherence remain. The situation illustrates ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding DEI policies at the federal level.
