The Executive Order on "Woke AI" Is a Turning Point. Business Leaders Must Not Stay Silent.
August 5, 2025
On July 23, 2025, the Trump Administration issued Executive Order 14319, "Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government." It prohibits federal agencies and contractors from using AI systems that incorporate "ideological dogmas," singling out DEI — diversity, equity, and inclusion — as "the most destructive and pervasive of these ideologies." The order requires that all government-used AI models reflect "historical accuracy," "scientific inquiry," and "neutrality," rejecting any system that might "distort output" based on DEI principles.
This is not a symbolic gesture. This is federal policy that redefines what counts as trustworthy AI — and what must be excluded from public-sector use. While the executive order does not extend into the private sector directly, it sets a powerful and chilling precedent: that fairness, representation, and bias mitigation are no longer values to be protected in AI.
Let's be clear: this is not about neutrality. It's about exclusion. It's about codifying existing inequalities into the next generation of technology under the guise of "unbiased AI." And it forces companies to make a choice — whether to align with the federal definition of acceptability, or to hold the line on what responsible AI development actually looks like.
And now, the private sector must decide where it stands.
Some companies will face pressure to conform in order to retain federal contracts. But that pressure must not dictate core design choices, talent priorities, or product strategy. If necessary, organizations should develop parallel systems — one for federal use and one that reflects their values. And if a bifurcated strategy isn't possible, then this becomes a revenue decision. Because no contract is worth compromising the trust of your teams, your customers, or your future users.
When the government abdicates its responsibility to equity and fairness, the private sector becomes the last line of defense. The burden — and the opportunity — now rests with business leaders.
Some will try to treat this moment as just another compliance issue. But this is not about compliance. This is about conviction.
And conviction is what defines courageous leadership. Not just the willingness to speak when it's easy, but the determination to act when the stakes are highest. Companies that have invested in equity, inclusion, and fairness cannot afford to be quiet now. Because if AI is the infrastructure of the future — and it is — then we are laying the foundation today for who gets seen, heard, hired, protected, or erased tomorrow.
The government has drawn its line. The rest of us must draw ours.
Forward together. With Courage.
SD