IBM PAYS $17M PENALTY IN TRUMP'S ANTI-DEI CRACKDOWN

The Justice Department announced the settlement on Monday, claiming IBM violated civil rights laws through diversity hiring and promotion practices. IBM did not admit to wrongdoing as part of the agreement. The penalty falls under Trump's newly launched initiative targeting what officials characterize as discriminatory DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs. The administration has signaled aggressive enforcement against companies whose diversity efforts allegedly disadvantage non-minority employees. IBM's settlement comes amid broader corporate reassessment of diversity initiatives. Multiple companies have recently scaled back or eliminated DEI programs in response to legal pressure and political opposition. The Justice Department framed the settlement as protecting civil rights protections for all workers. IBM did not immediately comment on the specifics of the allegations or settlement terms beyond confirming the payment.