On January 24, 2025, following an executive order from the Trump administration that dismantled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies at federal agencies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew draft guidance that required drug and device makers to ensure testing of their products in diverse populations. The Diversity Action Plan, which was due to be finalized in June 2025, sought to increase participation of Black, Hispanic, and other historically underrepresented groups in clinical trials. The goal was to ensure that trials verified the efficacy and possible side effects of drugs and medical devices for all patients, including non-white patients who have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials.
Dr. Robert Steinbrook, director of the health research group at Public Citizen, said that the move against DEI policies is "impeding clinical research, undermining the FDA's scientific integrity and threatening the quality of care for all patients."