Democrats Fire Back: “Cowardly Corporate Capitulation”
The move, however, drew fierce backlash from Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, who lambasted T-Mobile for trading ethics for regulatory favor.
“T-Mobile is making a mockery of its professed commitment to eliminating discrimination,” she said. “In yet another cynical bid to win FCC regulatory approval, they are abandoning principles they once claimed to champion.”
The political flashpoint mirrors growing national tension around DEI programs, intensified by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and executive orders from President Donald Trump targeting affirmative action and diversity initiatives.
What’s Changing Inside T-Mobile?
According to the filing, T-Mobile will:
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Redirect DEI-focused staff toward general “employee culture and engagement.”
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Remove DEI language from its website.
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Open all training, mentorship, and hiring initiatives to all employees, regardless of background.
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Eliminate references to protected characteristics in supplier contracts, law firm partnerships, and vendor deals.
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Refocus supplier diversity efforts on small businesses, rather than specific demographics.
T-Mobile also clarified that it does not use hiring quotas or goals based on race, sex, or other protected statuses. Any Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) will continue to exist, but without prioritization based on identity or demographic criteria.
