President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the federal government. "We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based," Mr. Trump said in his inauguration speech on Monday.

By close of business Wednesday, diversity, equity and inclusion offices within the federal government will shut down; email accounts will be suspended.

President Trump’s plan to unravel diversity, equity and inclusion efforts began taking shape on Wednesday with an order closing such programs within federal agencies and placing all staff working on those programs on paid leave.