Statement From Dr. Richard Besser Condemning Executive Order Backsliding on DEI and Health 

PRINCETON—President Donald Trump issued dozens of executive orders this week to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and end efforts to boost healthcare coverage, lower drug prices, address infectious diseases, and more. Dr. Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, issued the following statement in response.

These executive orders, along with dozens of others that roll back health measures and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, reverse course on the nation’s necessary journey toward a more just and equitable future. It is unconscionable that the Trump administration would coopt the language and vision of the civil rights movement in these executive orders as it attempts to send our nation back to an era of rampant, state-sanctioned discrimination. Ultimately, these measures drive us farther away from a future when health is no longer a privilege, but a right for all. 

Everyone wants healthcare rooted in compassion and respect. Research shows that greater diversity among doctors improves health outcomes for people of color, disabled people, women, LGBTQIA+ patients, and others whose identities have long been underrepresented in the healthcare field. Plus, strategies aimed at reducing racial disparities in healthcare—such as maternal health and cancer care—lead to better outcomes for all patients. The evidence is clear: a diverse healthcare workforce and inclusive policies serve us all. These executive orders serve no one. 

We believe that policies across all levels of government—especially from the White House—should build upon people’s aspirations for better, healthier lives. Instead of sowing division, discord, and fear, our leaders should be strengthening access to healthcare, protecting workers, and supporting families.  

At RWJF, we will continue to defend and advance fundamental American values of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the urgency this moment requires. This includes steps such as increasing our investments in efforts to diversify the healthcare professions, as well as supporting legal, communications, and organizing efforts alongside leaders in the field. These actions will improve the health of us all. Our grantees and partners have for decades worked relentlessly to build a healthier, more equitable future for everyone.  In these days of backlash and backsliding, we at RWJF must match our commitment and resolve to transform health in our lifetime. We will. 

For more information or to speak with an RWJF representative, please contact media@rwjf.org. 

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

RWJF is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity faster and pave the way together to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.