President Donald Trump is preparing a multi-pronged crackdown plan targeting left-wing groups, following public outrage over the killing of Charlie Kirk. The plan includes potentially designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, considering racketeering charges against some left-leaning organizations and revoking tax-exempt status from liberal nonprofits. Vice President J.D. Vance, hosting Kirk's daily radio show on Monday, specifically named the Ford Foundation and the Open Society Foundations as early targets, accusing them of supporting groups and media that foster violence, though the organizations deny these claims.

The State Department has revised its foreign service test, eliminating the situational judgment section and personal narrative essay while adding a logic and reasoning part. The changes, effective Oct. 18, are part of efforts to modernize and strengthen merit-based selection of diplomats.

The State Department's decision to replace the Foreign Service exam with a "merit-based" model reflects the administration's broader effort to remove DEI considerations from federal hiring. For global enterprises, the shift underscores how quickly long-standing workforce pipelines can be restructured under political directives.

While attempts to undermine the statutory protections of Title VII and the Foreign Service Act persist, those laws remain intact. Executives should recognize that qualities such as adaptability, cross-cultural awareness and ethical reasoning remain both lawful and business-critical, even as federal policy pivots in the opposite direction.

--Sheryl Daija, BRIDGE CEO

For actionable strategies, context and analysis to inform strategy, safeguard brand trust and lead with conviction in a volatile environment, subscribe to BRIDGE's weekly Project FORWARD leadership briefing.

The Trump administration has announced the termination of $350 million in discretionary grants to minority-serving institutions, citing constitutional concerns over equal protection. The decision affects programs for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions and others, prompting criticism from educators such as California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia, who warns of significant harm to students. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the funds will be redirected to race-neutral programs.

Marketers must adopt a "multicultural mindset" to stay competitive as the landscape evolves with AI and shifting demographics, writes Joycelyn David, CEO of AV Communications. David urges marketers to develop a multicultural quotient, encompassing awareness, adaptation and application of cultural intelligence. She cites the importance of diverse leadership during the changing marketing landscape.

Kristen Kavanaugh's experience leading DEI at Tesla illustrates the complexities of building an inclusive culture in a high-profile company. Kavanaugh advocates for a compassionate, agency-driven approach, urging leaders to focus on tangible steps within their teams to foster inclusion, rather than succumbing to fear. She argues that courage -- whether in simple acts like respecting pronouns or resisting systemic fear narratives -- is vital for sustaining DEI progress, even in uncertain and challenging times.

4As CEO Justin Thomas-Copeland discusses the evolving role of the association, explaining that its "superpower" is offering "the deepest and most actionable peer-to-peer insights in the industry." Thomas-Copeland discussed the need for commercializing AI, noting that just 6% of agencies fully monetize the technology, and highlights the importance of creating an environment where talent, including neurodivergent individuals, can thrive.

Diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognized as essential for creating fair, thriving workplaces. Microsoft's D&I programs are comprehensive, offering support for its 228,000 employees through initiatives such as gender transition assistance, employee resource groups and 24/7 Care Advocates. Vodafone has set a goal for 40% of its senior leadership roles to be held by women by 2030, and it has reached 35.5% in the UK as of this year. The telecom company employs more than 36,500 women worldwide and ranked sixth on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index this year.

Ulta Beauty has posted $2.7 billion in quarterly revenue, a 6.7% comparable-store sales increase over the same period last year, driven by multicultural marketing and partnerships with Latina-owned brands.