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EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON, D. C. 20503

September 4, 2020

M-20-34

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
FROM: Russell Vought
Director
SUBJECT: Training in the Federal Government

It has come to the President's attention that Executive Branch agencies have spent
millions of taxpayer dollars to date "training" government workers to believe divisive, anti-
American propaganda.

For example, according to press reports, employees across the Executive Branch have
been required to attend trainings where they are told that "virtually all White people contribute to
racism" or where they are required to say that they "benefit from racism." According to press
reports, in some cases these training have further claimed that there is racism embedded in the
belief that America is the land of opportunity or the belief that the most qualified person should
receive a job.

These types of "trainings" not only run counter to the fundamental beliefs for which our
Nation has stood since its inception, but they also engender division and resentment within the
Federal workforce. We can be proud that as an employer, the Federal government has
employees of all races, ethnicities, and religions. We can be proud that Americans from all over
the country seek to join our workforce and dedicate themselves to public service. We can be
proud of our continued efforts to welcome all individuals who seek to serve their fellow
Americans as Federal employees. However, we cannot accept our employees receiving training
that seeks to undercut our core values as Americans and drive division within our workforce.

The President has directed me to ensure that Federal agencies cease and desist from using
taxpayer dollars to fund these divisive, un-American propaganda training sessions. Accordingly,
to that end, the Office of Management and Budget will shortly issue more detailed guidance on
implementing the President's directive. In the meantime, all agencies are directed to begin to
identify all contracts or other agency spending related to any training on "critical race theory,"
"white privilege," or any other training or propaganda effort that teaches or suggests either (1)
that the United States is an inherently racist or evil country or (2) that any race or ethnicity is
inherently racist or evil. In addition, all agencies should begin to identify all available avenues
within the law to cancel any such contracts and/or to divert Federal dollars away from these un-
American propaganda training sessions.

The President, and his Administration, are fully committed to the fair and equal treatment
of all individuals in the United States. The President has a proven track record of standing for
those whose voice has long been ignored and who have failed to benefit from all our country has
to offer, and he intends to continue to support all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or
creed. The divisive, false, and demeaning propaganda of the critical race theory movement is
contrary to all we stand for as Americans and should have no place in the Federal government.