Trump official blasts Washington Post for ‘fake news’ reporting about DOGE firings
Andrea Lucas, the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), has called out The Washington Post and reporter Jeff Stein for spreading what she described as “fake news” about the EEOC cutting 90% of its workforce. Lucas clarified that Stein had mixed up federal agencies that have no connection to each other.
The Washington Post had reported that an office within the Labor Department, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), was planning to reduce its workforce by 90%. Stein had also posted on social media that the Labor Department, under Elon Musk’s DOGE, was planning on “gutting EEOC office by *90%*.” However, Lucas explained that the EEOC and OFCCP are separate entities, and any potential cuts by DOGE to the Labor Department are unrelated to the EEOC’s work.
Lucas emphasized that the EEOC plays a crucial role in enforcing Title VII, which specifically aims to combat discrimination. She stated that the EEOC is fully operational and remains focused on combating discrimination, including issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Lucas highlighted that the EEOC is complying with the president’s executive orders on civil rights enforcement and is actively working to protect workers against unlawful discrimination.
Despite potential changes within the Labor Department, Lucas expressed confidence in the EEOC’s continued presence and importance. She affirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring fair and efficient enforcement of civil rights. Lucas reassured that the EEOC is vigilant in its role as a law enforcement agency and is dedicated to executing its mission.
While the Washington Post did not respond to requests for comment, Lucas remains steadfast in her support of the EEOC’s mission and commitment to upholding civil rights laws. She emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and urged against spreading misleading information that could undermine the public’s understanding of the EEOC’s vital work in combating discrimination.
