U.S. government websites remain online amid misinterpretation of policy memo

U.S. government websites remained accessible on Friday despite reports suggesting they would be taken offline. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) clarified that the claims were based on a misinterpretation of a memo issued earlier in the week.

The memo, dated Wednesday, instructed federal agencies to remove references to "gender ideology" from contracts, job descriptions, and social media in compliance with President Donald Trump's executive order recognizing only two sexes.

A source had initially indicated that most government websites would go offline after 5 p.m. ET on Friday but later clarified that the deadline applied only to the removal of diversity-related content.

An OPM spokesperson stated that while the memo set guidelines for implementing the executive order, it did not mandate a shutdown of government websites. "It may have been misinterpreted to mean we would shut down government websites who weren't able to comply, but that is not the plan," the spokesperson said.

When asked earlier about a potential shutdown, Trump responded, "I don't know. It doesn't sound like a bad idea to me," adding that he supported the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has moved swiftly to roll back federal diversity policies, drawing support from his base while facing criticism from rights advocates concerned about reversing anti-discrimination efforts.

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