Trump Admin Investigating Nike For Allegedly Discriminating Against White Employees

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Wednesday it has launched an investigation into Nike over programs that the agency alleges may have discriminated against white employees.

The EEOC said it had filed an action in federal court in Missouri to compel Nike to produce information related to “systemic race discrimination allegations,” including as a result of the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) targets in 2025 and other DEI-related initiatives, according to a news release. The move comes amid the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to crack down on DEI programs nationwide. 

The EEOC also alleged that the footwear and apparel giant may have engaged in “a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against white employees, applicants and training program participants in hiring, promotion, demotion, or separation decisions, including selection for layoffs; internship programs; and mentoring, leadership development and other career development programs,” according to the agency’s court filing.

“When there are compelling indications, including corporate admissions in extensive public materials, that an employer’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-related programs may violate federal prohibitions against race discrimination or other forms of unlawful discrimination, the EEOC will take all necessary steps—including subpoena enforcement actions—to ensure the opportunity to fully and comprehensively investigate,” EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said in a statement on Wednesday. “Title VII’s prohibition of race-based employment discrimination is colorblind and requires the EEOC to protect employees of all races from unlawful employment practices.”