Marriott CEO Defies Political Pressure to Keep DEI Values Alive

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2025, 8 p.m. — In an era of mounting political attacks on diversity and inclusion initiatives, Marriott International’s top boss is making a bold statement and it’s resonating across corporate America.

Michael Bush, CEO of Marriott, took the stage at the Great Place to Work For All Summit in Las Vegas to reaffirm the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite recent changes in language driven by Trump-era directives aimed at rolling back DEI efforts, Bush made it clear Marriott’s core principles remain unchanged.

“The winds blow but there are some fundamental truths for those 98 years,” Bush declared. “We welcome all to our hotels and create opportunities for everyone. Those values will never change. The words might shift but who we are as a company will not.”

His firm stance has struck a chord with employees and stakeholders alike. Within a day of his remarks, 40,000 Marriott staff members from around the globe sent messages of support. Many expressed pride working for a company that refuses to bow to political pressure and continues to champion inclusion.

This leadership resilience comes amid widespread reassessment of DEI programs following the Biden administration’s renewed focus on limiting such initiatives. Major corporations like Marriott have faced intense scrutiny yet they remain committed to fostering a culture where diversity is celebrated.

“Leadership like this is crucial,” said industry insiders. “It sends a message to employees that their company stands for something real regardless of external noise.”

Despite the political headwinds Marriott’s internal culture remains a shining example. The company ranks eighth on Fortune’s 2025 100 Best Companies to Work For with 90 percent of employees endorsing its practices which is well above the 57 percent industry average.

Rob Redding is the author of Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung out on Amazon.com now. He is the bestselling author of 17 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.