Trump killed the Digital Equity Act, but US was forced to bring part of it back
A federal judge ordered the reinstatement of a $1.25 billion broadband grant program after the Trump administration tried to dismantle it, though the court upheld a ruling that race-based criteria were unconstitutional.
- A federal judge ordered the reinstatement of a $1.25 billion broadband grant program after the Trump administration attempted to eliminate it.
- The court upheld a ruling that race-based eligibility criteria for the program were unconstitutional.
- The Digital Equity Act’s funding mechanism is now partially restored but must exclude race-based selection criteria.
- The decision underscores legal and political tensions over federal efforts to address digital inequality.
A federal court has compelled the U.S. government to revive a $1.25 billion broadband grant program that the Trump administration had sought to terminate. The program, originally established under the Digital Equity Act, aimed to expand internet access across underserved communities. However, a judge ruled that while the program must be reinstated, provisions tying funding eligibility to race were unconstitutional and could not be enforced.
The decision comes after the Trump administration moved to dismantle the initiative, arguing it was inefficient or discriminatory. The court’s ruling partially blocks those efforts, requiring the government to proceed with the grants but without the contested race-based criteria. The case highlights ongoing legal and political battles over how federal funding should address digital inequality in the U.S.
Companies in broadband and digital infrastructure may see renewed funding opportunities or policy shifts affecting their operations.
The ruling impacts how federal funds are allocated to address digital access disparities across communities.
- Digital Equity Act
- A U.S. law aimed at expanding broadband access and digital literacy in underserved communities.
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