Local GOP Calls Montco DEI Funding 'Wasteful And Discriminatory'

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County branch of the GOP is pushing back against the county's recent investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, labeling them "wasteful and discriminatory."

It mirrors the rancor and divisiveness of the issue being played out on the national stage as President Trump's administration looks to fulfill a campaign promise by cracking down on such programs.

The increased investment in the Montgomery County's DEI office will include expanding the staff of one to five, with four new hires anticipated.

The moves were passed by Democratic commissioners Neil Makhija and Jamila Winder, without support from Republican Tom DiBello.

Related: Montco Doubles Down On DEI Funding As Trump Seeks To End Programs

"The entire country - the federal government and many corporations - is following President Trump's lead and abolishing wasteful and discriminatory DEI programs and offices but our Democrat Montgomery County Commissioners double down on DEI to the tune of a half a million dollars in new positions - no doubt more patronage jobs for Democrat operatives," Montgomery County's Republican Party shared in a statement.

Supporters of DEI push back strongly against this interpretation, of course, arguing that in a nation built upon slavery and led for generations by a single demographic, institutional racism prevents everyone from an equal opportunity at that dream.

Republicans at the federal and state level have already introduced sweeping changes to eliminate DEI programs. Following an executive order from President Trump in his first days in office, federal practices have already been changed. Many large corporations like Amazon and Meta, fearing lawsuits that will be heard in Republican friendly courts, ended their own programs before Trump even took office. The dynamic and reality in a heavily blue stronghold, like Montgomery County, is different.