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ARTICLE · 25 AUGUST 2026

DOL Publishes Final Rule Implementing The Trump Administration’s Policy To “End Illegal Discrimination”

Peckar & Abramson, P.C.
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The U.S. Department of Labor has published a final rule implementing President Trump's Executive Order 14173, fundamentally transforming federal contractor compliance obligations. This regulatory change eliminates the sixty-year framework established under Executive Order 11246, ending race- and sex-based affirmative action requirements for federal contractors and subcontractors.

United StatesEmployment and HR
Ariella Cassell
Ariella Cassell
Richard J.“RJ” Pinto II
Richard J.“RJ” Pinto II

On August 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”), through the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”), published a final rule implementing President Trump’s Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. The final rule, together with the Executive Order, unwinds the regulatory framework that had been first implemented in 1965.

This final rule follows President Trump’s January 21, 2025, revocation of Executive Order 11246 and DOL’s subsequent direction that OFCCP cease investigative and enforcement activity under that rescinded order.

The final rule becomes effective on October 26, 2026.

Background on Executive Order 11246 and OFCCP.

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