Trump Criticizes Biden Digital Equity Act as Racist, Unconstitutional

President Donald Trump has vehemently criticized the Biden administration's Digital Equity Act, calling it "racist," "totally unconstitutional," and pledging to end the program immediately. The Act, signed into law in 2021 as part of a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure package, allocates about $2.75 billion to improve high-speed internet access and technology skills across diverse communities, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities. Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick labeled the program a "woke handout based on race" and an "illegal $2.5 billion giveaway," asserting it unfairly favors certain groups. However, critics including Sen. Patty Murray, the law's author, emphasize that the program provides local flexibility and nondiscrimination protections modeled on the Civil Rights Act, aiming to close the digital divide for all Americans. The law explicitly prohibits exclusion based on race, color, religion, gender identity, or other characteristics, and its intent is to equip underserved populations with necessary digital tools rather than to advance racial preferences. Trump's opposition is consistent with his administration's broader efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while supporters argue the program addresses critical gaps in digital access nationwide.