President Donald Trump said he would end a program that provides billions to extend internet access in underserved communities, casting it as unfairly providing grants on the basis of race.
“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!,” Trump said in a social-media post Thursday, referring to the law approved under the administration of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
“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!,” he added.
Trump’s move is only the latest by his administration to target diversity, equity or inclusion measures, which his conservative supporters argue discriminate against white Americans.
The Digital Equity Act was part of the massive infrastructure law approved by Biden. It offered $2.75 billion in grants, through programs administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The programs 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 an NTIA website.
