Black federal employees targeted in rightwing DEI watchlist

WASHINGTON – A right-wing group aimed at influencing President Trump to fire left-leaning Black federal workers has gained financial backing from the same entity funding Project 2025.

Known as the American Accountability Foundation, this organization exists to expose “the truth behind people and policies.” They have used this funding to out Black and other diverse employees for their left-leaning values.

On Tuesday evening, one federal employee found a watchlist that included names, photos and work histories of over 50 workers. The majority of those mentioned are Black federal employees who work for healthcare agencies like the Center for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health. 

“It’s just really scary,” the anonymous source told The Guardian. “I think it’s a way to continue to sow that fear, that angst, in the culture at a lot of these agencies.”

The organization has created other lists as well. Another identifies employees of the Department of Education. President of the foundation, Tom Jones, intends to add to the existing lists and create more. He believes that these lists will help expunge “DC bureaucrats and leftist organizations” that “sabotage the America First agenda.” 

America first, diversity last

The America First Policy Institute created this agenda, and its ideals have already infiltrated the federal government. Last year, they received a $100,000 grant from the Heritage Foundation, the group behind the infamous Project 2025. Previously, the Conservative Partnership Institute granted them $500,000, and the 85 Fund provided an additional $50,000.

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The White House now has a page dedicated to implementing strategies designed by the institute. Founder of America First, Stephen Miller, is now the White House Deputy Chief of Staff. 

In an interview with The New York Times, Jones admitted to attacking individuals who may not even work in DEI-related roles. “Let’s look at people who are advocates for the policy,” Jones said. 

The group had identified potential victims by looking at which political candidates federal employees have donated to. They also surveilled social media posts but never verified the information before leaking it to the public.