Leavitt also made it crystal clear to reporters that the federal government will hire based on competence, merit, and skill—not DEI.

“People should not be hired based on their disabilities, based on their skin color, their gender, their race.

“None of that matters. What matters to this president and this administration is how well you can do your job. And the American people agree with that sentiment. So it’s about competence, skill, and merit. And so the president is focused on ensuring that the most competent individuals, the best and the brightest in this country, are in positions in this federal government, especially when it comes to public safety. Can’t overemphasize the importance of those jobs.”