Trump Terminates Biden Digital Equity Act

President Donald Trump has announced the termination of the Biden-era Digital Equity Act (DEA), a federal initiative enacted in 2021 to expand high-speed internet access and digital literacy in underserved, rural, urban, and Tribal communities. Trump criticized the DEA as unconstitutional, racist, and a $2.5 billion to $2.75 billion giveaway, arguing it promoted racial handouts despite the Act not explicitly allocating grants based on race and including Civil Rights Act protections. The DEA was part of the bipartisan infrastructure law and aimed to close the digital divide through state and competitive grants. Digital equity advocates dispute Trump's characterization, emphasizing the Act's broad support and inclusive focus. The Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which oversee the grants, have not yet commented on the order's immediate administrative impact. The decision is consistent with the Trump administration's broader efforts to dismantle federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.