The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed it will shut down its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) by December 2024, according to a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

The agency has not disclosed specific reasons for the closure but has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers who argue that the FBI’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has detracted from its primary mission of national security.

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Earlier this month, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) addressed FBI Director Christopher Wray in a letter, criticizing the agency’s prioritization of DEI programs.

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Blackburn expressed concern that these initiatives have jeopardized public safety, particularly in the wake of a New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.

“I am deeply concerned that—under your leadership—the Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people,” Blackburn stated in her January 3 letter.

Following the announcement of the ODI closure, she posted on X: “The question is why were they allowed to be focused on DEI in the first place? The FBI should be focused on catching criminals, not winning participation trophies.”

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President-elect Donald Trump also weighed in on the decision, questioning its timing.

Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago. Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!”

The FBI’s webpage on diversity and inclusion, still live as of Thursday, highlights the agency’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce.

It states: “We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience.”

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The ODI was established in 2012 during the Obama administration, aiming to promote workplace diversity and inclusion.

In 2021, under Joe Biden’s administration, Scott McMillion was named the FBI’s first chief diversity officer, tasked with initiating a “cultural shift” at the agency.

Nicole Parker, a former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor, expressed disapproval of DEI’s role within the Bureau.

“I appreciate all forms of diversity. Make no mistake of that. What I do not appreciate is when there is a constant push for social justice weaponization at the FBI, whose top priorities are to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” she told Fox News Digital.

Parker added, “There is no time for clubs, groups, or social agendas that divert time, attention, and resources away from the mission of the FBI to protect the American people. DEI is a dangerous distraction.”

She emphasized the importance of hiring based on merit, noting, “The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest based solely on meritocracy. Americans deserve the best.”

The FBI operates numerous internal advisory committees and resource groups, including those focused on specific demographics such as veterans, minorities, and women.

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These groups include the Black Affairs Diversity Committee, FBI Pride, and FBI Latinos for Empowerment Advancement and Development, among others.

The announcement of the ODI closure coincides with significant leadership transitions at the FBI. Christopher Wray, who has served as FBI director since 2017, announced his resignation in December, citing Trump’s desire for new leadership.

Joe Biden is set to leave office this week, and Trump will begin his second term on Monday. Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI director, has not yet commented on the ODI closure.

As the FBI prepares for a new administration, the closure of its DEI office marks the end of an initiative that has drawn both support and criticism over the past decade.

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