Trump Administration Cancels $16M Washington, Wisconsin Digital Equity Grants

The Trump administration has rescinded nearly $16 million in federal grants intended to fund digital equity and cybersecurity literacy programs in Washington state and other states, citing the Digital Equity Act as unconstitutional and discriminatory due to its inclusion of racial considerations. The Digital Equity Act of 2021, authored by Democratic Senator Patty Murray and included in the bipartisan infrastructure package, allocated $2.75 billion to address barriers to broadband adoption, targeting vulnerable populations such as veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents, and racial minorities. The administration's action followed President Trump's social media posts labeling the Act's programs as "racist" and "illegal" and formal letters claiming the grants involved impermissible racial preferences. Senator Murray condemned the cancellations as illegal and called for bipartisan support to restore funding, emphasizing that the president cannot override a law unilaterally. States like Wisconsin also experienced grant cancellations, disrupting ongoing efforts and applications for digital equity programs focused on expanding internet access and digital skills. Despite the federal termination, state officials remain committed to advancing digital equity objectives and are seeking ways to continue supporting affected communities.