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On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling DEI programs in federally funded organizations. This order signaled a broader ideological shift against DEI initiatives. PBS, which garners approximately 15% of its funding from federal sources—amounting to $140 per taxpayer—found itself navigating these turbulent waters.
The Fall of DEI Executives
Investigative journalist Josh Cod received an insider tip regarding potential changes within PBS’s DEI department. Cod's inquiry revealed that PBS’s DEI executives, Cecilia Loving and Gina Leo—who collectively made over $500,000 annually—were being reassigned to another division, a move perceived as a direct response to the political climate and forthcoming layoffs within the organization.