NASA fires DEI chief Neela Rajendra

Neela Rajendra, the Indian-origin Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer at United States — NASA's United States — Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was terminated following President Donald Trump's executive order to end DEI initiatives across federal agencies. Despite United States — NASA's attempts to retain her by changing her designation to 'Head of Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success' and dissolving its formal diversity division in March, the Trump administration's strict crackdown led to her dismissal. Laurie Leshin, Director of United States — Jet Propulsion Laboratory, confirmed Neela Rajendra's departure in an email to staff. This event is part of a larger trend where United States — NASA had previously removed nearly 900 DEI-aligned employees in 2024 due to budgetary issues. Donald Trump's order argues that DEI programs divide Americans, waste taxpayer dollars, and result in discrimination, prompting federal agencies to shut down these initiatives.