Donald Trump Calls Biden’s Digital Equity Act ‘Racist’
11 hours ago
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President Donald Trump has attacked a law aimed at expanding high-speed internet access, calling it “racist” and “totally unconstitutional.”
Writing on Truth Social on Thursday, he said: “I have spoken with my wonderful Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and we agree that the Biden/Harris so-called ‘Digital Equity Act’ is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL. No more woke handouts based on race!
“The Digital Equity Program is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway. I am ending this IMMEDIATELY, and saving Taxpayers BILLIONS OF DOLLARS!”
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment outside regular business hours.
President Donald Trump outside the White House in Washington D.C. on Thursday. President Donald Trump outside the White House in Washington D.C. on Thursday. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Why It Matters
Trump’s move to end the Digital Equity Act is the latest in his administration’s push to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures, which he and conservatives condemn as discriminatory.
The act, signed by former President Joe Biden, was designed to help many different groups and barely mentions race. It only states that racial minorities can be covered by the program and adds that individuals can not be excluded “on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.”
What To Know
The Digital Equity Act was part of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that Biden signed into law in 2021.
It was written to help many groups, including older people, veterans, people with disabilities, individuals with a language barrier, and those who are part of a “racial or ethnic minority group.”
It provides $2.75 billion in grants through programs administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). These aim to “ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy,” according to the NTIA website.
It was not clear if Trump had already taken action to end the programs.
Newsweek has contacted the NTIA and the Department of Commerce for comment outside of regular working hours.
What People Are Saying
Biden’s Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, said in December after funding for several states was approved: “Quality, affordable high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection.”
What’s Next
Trump’s cancellation of grants appropriated through Congress will almost certainly face legal challenges.
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