Walmart US CEO John Furner says changes to the DEI policy will “ensure that every customer” feels welcome

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

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

The changes, confirmed by Walmart the following Monday The Wall Street Journal previously reported on them, represents the end of a five-year commitment to an equity race center established after the police killing of George Floydas well as the dealer’s decision to phase out the designation DEI. Walmart will also no longer prioritize vendors based on racial or gender diversity, and will prevent sellers from listing any transgender-related or themed items on the website.

Furner said Walmart is reviewing the changes to help promote inclusion.

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

Still, Walmart’s decision comes amid growing pressure from conservatives to halt the companies’ DEI policies, which took off after the U.S. The Supreme Court’s judgment in June 2023 ending affirmative action in college admissions. Some conservative groups have filed lawsuits making similar arguments about companies targeting workplace DEI initiatives as well as hiring practices that boost historically marginalized groups.

Other companies that have recently backed away from DEI policies include Ford, Lowe’s, tractor supply and Harley-Davidson.

When asked if diversity among suppliers remains important to Walmart, Furner turned the focus to small businesses and small suppliers.

“We will continue to do the things we can do to make sure small vendors have a path to success,” he said, noting that Walmart started in 1962 as a single store in Rogers, Arkansas.

Walmart is also committed to selling American-made goods, which make up about two-thirds of what the company sells, Furner said, adding, “We will continue to lean into making sure we provide the very best avenues for small businesses. , our supplies to be successful here in the store.”

How Walmarts Prepare for Trump’s Proposed Tariffs

Walmart will be ready for President-elect Donald Trump’s new trade policy since the retailer’s products are mostly made in the United States, Furner said. Still, he acknowledged that customers may see some impact on prices.

On Monday, President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on his campaign promise and threatened to impose cowardly new rates on imported goods from Mexico, Canada and China—the United States’ top three suppliers according to the latest Census data—as one of his “many first Executive Orders.”

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

“We will adapt to any environment. We’ve been in an environment of tariffs now for the last seven years now,” Furner said, adding that they have a team of people responsible for managing trade policy changes.

Furner said Walmart will do everything possible — between the 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 incoming Trump administration’s potential plans.