Agencies removed some webpages on diversity, and paid leave for employees who work on DEI programs was to take effect by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his assault on diversity programs on Tuesday by pressuring the private sector to join the initiative, ordering aviation officials to review diversity hires and telling employees of DEI government offices and programs they would be placed on paid leave.

The measures come one day after Trump on his first day in office issued a series of executive orders to end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, which attempt to promote opportunities for women,