NMSDC is evaluating the recent executive order issued by the Trump Administration, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. While the stated purpose of the executive order is to promote equal opportunity for all businesses, we have concerns that several provisions of this order could hinder the very groups it seeks to empower. Rather than expanding access to opportunities for underrepresented business owners, several measures risk having the opposite effect.
For over 50 years, NMSDC has worked to create equitable opportunities for underserved businesses in partnership with the federal government and private industry. Since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, administrations across party lines have recognized that America’s economic competitiveness depends on leveraging the full potential of its diverse population. Ensuring pathways for all Americans—regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity—is an economic imperative.
The programs and strategies that arose from these efforts, including NMSDC, were never designed to impose arbitrary quotas or preferences. Instead, they were founded on the principle that equitable access to opportunity drives innovation, fosters excellence, and secures America’s leadership in the global economy. Businesses thrive when they engage all hands on deck, particularly as our nation’s demographics shift toward a minority-majority population.
We remain steadfast in our mission to connect MBEs to opportunities, resources, and relationships that empower them to succeed. NMSDC is committed to engaging with the Trump-Vance Administration, Congress, and other key stakeholders to ensure that supplier diversity remains a vital component of business strategy. We will continue to provide data-driven insights and emphasize the proven economic benefits of inclusive supply chains for both public and private sectors.
To strengthen our collective voice, we encourage corporate members, MBEs, and regional affiliate leaders to engage directly with lawmakers and community leaders. Share your stories, highlight the business imperative of supplier diversity, and advocate for policies that promote equitable access to opportunities. By demonstrating the value that diverse businesses bring to corporate success and U.S. competitiveness, we can ensure that progress continues, even in challenging times.
We are here to support you. Together, let us remain focused on building a thriving, inclusive business environment that reflects the vast potential of the American economy and secures its future prosperity.
