Walmart’s decision on this roll back According to John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US, some of its nationwide diversity, equity and inclusion policies are designed to “ensure that every customer, every employee” feels welcome and included

“Like many companies across the United States, we have been on a journey and will continue to be on a journey. And we’re trying to make sure that every customer, every employee feels welcome to shop here. “And to feel like they belong,” Furner said in response to questions about the DEI policy decision in an exclusive interview Tuesday with “CBS Mornings.”

The changes, which Walmart confirmed Monday after The Wall Street Journal previously reported them, mark the end of a five-year commitment to a racial justice center it launched afterward the police killing of George Floydand the retailer’s decision to phase out the term DEI. Walmart will also no longer give suppliers priority treatment based on racial or gender diversity and will prevent sellers from offering some transgender-related or themed items on the site.

Furner said Walmart is making the changes to promote inclusion.

“We will continue to make the best decisions possible that make everyone — our customers, our employees — feel like this is an environment in which they can shop and thrive,” he said.

Still, Walmart’s decision comes amid growing pressure from conservatives to stop companies’ DEI policies, which have been on the rise in the US Supreme Court ruling in June 2023 Ending affirmative action in college admissions. Some conservative groups have filed lawsuits against companies using similar arguments, targeting DEI initiatives in the workplace and hiring practices that uplift traditionally marginalized groups.

Other companies that have recently backed away from DEI policies include: Ford, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply And Harley Davidson.

When asked whether diversity among suppliers remains important to Walmart, Furner focused on small businesses and small suppliers.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that small suppliers have a path to success,” he said, noting that Walmart was founded in 1962 as a single store in Rogers, Arkansas.

Walmart is also committed to selling U.S.-made goods, which make up about two-thirds of what the company sells, Furner said, adding: “We remain committed to ensuring we provide the very best avenues for small businesses.” “, our supplies to be successful here in the store.”

How Walmart is preparing for Trump’s proposed tariffs

Walmart will be prepared for President-elect Donald Trump’s new trade policies because the retailer’s products are largely made in the United States, Furner said. Still, he acknowledged that customers may notice some impact on prices.

On Monday, Trump reiterated his campaign promise and threatened to enforce it comprehensive new tariffs as one of his “many first executive orders” issued on imported goods from Mexico, Canada and China – America’s three largest suppliers, according to the most recent census data.

Trump said he planned to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian goods and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, which he described as part of his crackdown on drugs and immigration. He said the tariffs would remain in place “until drugs, especially fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”

“We adapt to any environment. We have been in a tariff environment for seven years now,” Furner said, adding that they have a team of people responsible for managing changes in trade policy.

Furner said Walmart will do everything it can – between suppliers and the supply chain – to keep prices low and help people save money.

“We will focus on products and values,” Furner said, noting that the company continues to monitor and evaluate the new Trump administration’s potential plans.