Trump killed the Digital Equity Act, but US was forced to bring part of it back
$1.25 billion program restored, but judge ruled race provision unconstitutional.
The Trump administration's decision to end the Digital Equity Act's broadband grant programs sparked controversy, but the US was ultimately forced to partially reinstate the initiative. In a court filing, the administration acknowledged it must comply with a ruling that blocked it from fully disregarding the 2021 legislation. Applications for grants are set to commence in December, yet the administration triumphed in part by retaining the ability to allocate funds based on income, age, and disability status.
The Digital Equity Act allocated $2.75 billion for three grant programs aimed at narrowing the digital divide. The Biden administration began awarding $60 million in planning grants to states in 2022, followed by the commencement of applications to distribute the remaining funds in 2024. However, Trump alleged the Digital Equity Act is inherently racist and unconstitutional, leading to the termination of the grant programs in May 2025.
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