Court Lifts Ban on Trump's Anti-DEI Orders

A federal appeals court has lifted a block on President Donald Trump's executive orders aiming to end government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, allowing enforcement while a lawsuit proceeds. The three-judge panel from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, consisting of two Obama appointees and one Trump appointee, found the nationwide injunction by U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson overly broad. Although the judges noted potential First Amendment concerns, they emphasized that enforcement should not be entirely halted. The Trump administration argues the orders target DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws. The lawsuit, initiated by the city of Baltimore and advocacy groups, contests the orders' constitutionality, claiming they lack a clear DEI definition and threaten free speech. The decision marks a significant legal victory for Trump, though the case will continue through the courts.