Walmart’s decision to… roll back Some of the diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the country are designed to “ensure that every customer and every associate” feels welcome and belongs, said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US

“Like many companies in the United States, we have 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 and every employee feels welcome to shop here. And to feel that they belong,” Furner said in response to questions about the DEI policy decision in an exclusive interview Tuesday with “CBS Mornings.”

The changes, confirmed Monday by Walmart after the Wall Street Journal previously reported them, represent the end of a five-year commitment to a racial equity center created after the police killing of George Floydas well as the retailer’s decision to phase out the term DEI. Walmart will also no longer prioritize suppliers based on racial or gender diversity and will prevent sellers from offering certain transgender-related or themed items on the website.

Furner said Walmart is making the changes to promote inclusion.

“We’re going to continue to make the best decisions we can so that everyone – our customers, our associates – feels like this is an environment they can shop in and thrive in,” he said.

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

Other companies that have recently opted out of DEI policies include Ford, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply And Harley Davidson.

When asked whether supplier diversity remains important to Walmart, Furner focused on small businesses and small suppliers.

“We will continue to do everything we can do to ensure that small suppliers can be successful,” 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 remain committed to ensuring we provide small businesses with the very best opportunities ., our deliveries must be successful here in the store.”

How Walmart is preparing for Trump’s proposed tariffs

Walmart will be ready for President-elect Donald Trump’s new trade policies as the retailer’s products are largely made in the U.S., Furner said. Still, he acknowledged that customers may see some impact on prices.

On Monday, Trump doubled down on his campaign promise and threatened to impose it drastic new rates on imported goods from Mexico, Canada and China – America’s three largest suppliers, according to the most recent Census data – as one of his “many first Executive Orders.”

Trump said he plans to impose 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 remain in place “until such time as Drugs, especially Fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”

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

Furner said Walmart will do everything possible — between suppliers and the supply chain — to keep prices low and help people save money.

“We’re going to focus on products and values,” Furner said, noting that the company continues to monitor and evaluate the new Trump administration’s potential plans.