DEI Is Out, Extra Fries Are In: McDonald’s Rolls Back Diversity Goals

Coincidence that this comes as Trump preps his return? We think not.

McD’s diversity goals get a makeover.

Gone is the lofty goal of having 35% of the McDonald’s leaders being from “underrepresented” groups by the end of this year (they’re only at 30%). They’ve done enough and are proud of their accomplishments.

And now instead of having a “diversity” team, McDonald’s has rebranded it as a “Global Inclusion Team.”

Mickey D’s has also announced that they will be pausing “external surveys” which keeps track of how woke companies are.

Suppliers also got their share of the rollback. The once-mandatory Mutual Commitment to DEI pledge is now off the menu. Suppliers will no longer have to commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion to work with the Golden Arches.

McDonald’s hits the pause on woke metrics but will still be inclusive.

McDonald’s maintains in their open letter to employees and franchisees that this new pivot will still prioritize “inclusion,” reaffirming their commitment to the concept.

From oppressor to being over it: corporations join the fast-food exit from DEI.

McDonald’s is just one of many corporations ditching their DEI wokeness i.e. branding everyone as either an oppressor or the oppressed. Others who decided to step away from their un-woke path, ditching DEI initiatives in 2024, included Walmart, John Deere and Harley-Davidson.

With Trump already flipping the political landscape like a double cheeseburger, corporations are adjusting their strategies faster than a drive-thru timer. The Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in higher education gave companies like McDonald’s the green light to pump the brakes on their own diversity programs while still saving face with their leftist customers and the media.

And while McDonald’s promises that inclusion remains a priority, the move signals a shift in corporate America’s appetite for DEI programs. Companies are increasingly taking the “safe” route, shelving diversity initiatives to avoid legal battles – or worse, public backlash from a divided consumer base. After all, their priority is to sell products and services (including burgers and fries) – not ideology.