The retailer's decision met with notable criticism, with some noting the company's reputation for inclusiveness has helped it attract a younger, more diverse consumer base.

Discount store chain Target says it's joining rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

One of the country’s largest retailers said it will end the diversity, equity and inclusion goals it sets in three-year cycles and curtail racial equity initiatives.

Target joins a growing number of US companies including Meta, Walmart and McDonald’s in retreating from work on racial and gender equity amid mounting pressure from Trump and other conservatives. The president has said programmes that seek to reduce discrimination against minority groups in the workforce are “illegal”,

DEI policies originated as a counterweight to discriminatory corporate practices. A number of prominent companies have scaled back or set aside the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that much of corporate America endorsed following the protests that accompanied the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd,

Target on Friday said it’s rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion programs — including some that aim to make its workforce and merchandise better reflect its customers.

Target is planning to conclude its three-year DEI goals and its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives in 2025. It also promised to evaluate corporate partnerships “to ensure they are