DOJ Directive on Email Signatures

The Department of Justice has issued guidance instructing its employees not to use “preferred pronouns” in their email signatures. This move is part of a broader directive linked to a recent executive order from former President Donald Trump, which aims to combat what it describes as gender ideological extremism.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conveyed this message in a memo, stating, “Unrelated content such as preferred pronouns, motivational quotes, and GIFs shall not be used in the signature block.” He noted that employees may add the official department logo, but only at their discretion.

The concept of “gender identity” is typically seen as separate from biological sex, reflecting personal feelings rather than biological facts. “Preferred pronouns” are associated with this construct, allowing individuals to identify in a way that differs from their assigned gender at birth.

The memo underlined the importance of factual communication: “To maintain public trust, departmental communication must reflect reality.” It emphasizes that all internal and external messages should align with the department’s mission.

Employees are required to adhere to this policy by August 25th, as highlighted in the report.

Trump’s earlier order declared that the federal government must recognize only two genders—male and female—asserting this classification is based on an unchanging reality. It argues that diluting gender in language and policy undermines the foundational principles of the American legal system and public trust.

The order further warns that blurring these categories threatens established laws and protections designed to uphold women’s rights, advocating for precise language that acknowledges biological distinctions. It stands as a defense of women’s rights while promoting clarity in governmental policies.