The Department of Energy (DOE), led by Secretary Chris Wright, has undergone a significant reorganization that eliminates several offices established during the Biden administration, which focused on clean energy technologies, energy efficiency, and environmental justice. This restructuring follows the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, both aimed at promoting renewable energy initiatives. The new organizational chart indicates that the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy will be merged into a newly formed Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.

In addition, the DOE has announced plans to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which had been notably depleted under the previous administration. The current administration is also prioritizing funding for nuclear power plants, including facilities like Three Mile Island, as part of its energy strategy. Secretary Wright has expressed a commitment to advancing nuclear energy as a reliable and secure energy source for the future. These changes suggest a broader shift in energy policy that favors traditional energy sources over renewable initiatives, raising questions about the long-term implications for climate change and environmental equity.

In a separate analysis, a study by the Brookings Institution highlights that the Trump administration has assembled the least diverse U.S. government of the 21st century, with a predominance of white men in key positions. In the first 300 days of Trump's second term, 90% of Senate-confirmed individuals were white, and only 16% were women, marking a decline from 23% during his first term and the lowest rate among the last four administrations. Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, director of the initiative on improving inter-branch relations and government at Brookings, noted the stark contrast in gender representation compared to the Biden administration, which achieved a 50% male and 50% female balance at the one-year mark.

The lack of racial diversity is also evident, as Trump's confirmed nominees are less ethnically diverse than those of his predecessors dating back to George W. Bush. Despite claims of broad appeal, including support from groups like Women for Trump and some gains among Latino and Black voters, the administration's hiring practices suggest a deliberate move away from prioritizing diversity. High-profile dismissals of African Americans, such as General Charles Q. Brown Jr. and Carla Hayden, alongside executive orders aimed at limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, further underscore this trend.

Tenpas characterized this shift as a significant regression, attributing the gender and racial imbalances to Trump's anti-DEI policies. The administration's approach appears to reflect a broader philosophy that prioritizes a homogenous leadership structure. The process of staffing senior executive branch positions is complex, requiring the nomination and Senate confirmation of approximately 1,340 individuals. A Brookings tracker noted that the Trump administration confirmed 216 nominees in its first 300 days, a pace accelerated by a Senate rule change that allowed for en bloc confirmations, which diluted the individual vetting process. This change was implemented in response to frustrations over delays caused by Democratic opposition to Trump's nominations. However, the overall confirmation process remains slow, particularly for diplomatic appointments, which saw a significant decline in staffing compared to previous administrations. In contrast, domestic legal appointments have surged, indicating a strategic shift in focus towards domestic policy over traditional diplomatic engagement. The energy department experienced a notable increase in confirmations, suggesting a renewed emphasis on energy policy within the administration's agenda.