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Former President Donald Trump announced plans to eliminate the Digital Equity Act, a federally funded program aimed at closing the digital divide for underserved communities, sparking backlash from digital inclusion advocates and Democratic lawmakers.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, called the program “RACIST and ILLEGAL,” labeling it a “$2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway” based on “woke handouts.” In reality, the Digital Equity Act was funded with $2.75 billion as part of the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 under President Joe Biden.
The law was designed to expand broadband internet access, particularly in rural, tribal, and low-income communities. It also funded training and technology access for older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities.
A Lifeline for the Disconnected
The Digital Equity Act supported efforts across the country, such as distributing laptops in rural Iowa, helping North Carolinians replace technology lost in natural disasters, and training seniors in Oregon and Alabama on basic digital skills.
“This law was going to be the start for the U.S. to figure out this issue,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, which was awarded – but has not received – a $25.7 million grant under the program. “Now, it feels like everything is crashing down.”
She added that the program addressed critical gaps in access to technology — something she says is no longer optional in modern life. “You have to have the internet and know how to use technology just to survive,” Siefer said.
The Politics of ‘Equity’
The term “equity” in the program’s name appears to be a key reason it was targeted. The Trump administration has been actively dismantling programs that reference diversity, equity, or inclusion.
Still, the text of the law mentions race only twice, and never as a basis for giving preference. Instead, it identifies a wide range of groups in need — including older adults, rural Americans, veterans, English learners, and people with disabilities — and explicitly states that no group should be excluded based on race, religion, sex, or other characteristics.
“It is insane — absolutely nuts — that Trump is blocking resources to help make sure kids in rural school districts can get hot spots or laptops,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the bill’s lead sponsor. “All because he doesn’t like the word equity!”
What’s Next?
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which administers the grants, declined to comment. It remains unclear how much of the $2.75 billion has been distributed. As of March 2023, $811 million had been allocated to states, territories, and tribal governments.
Although Trump may lack legal authority to outright cancel the law, a Republican administration can effectively defund the program by withholding further spending.
For communities still struggling with access, the consequences could be devastating.
“This isn’t about politics,” Siefer said. “This is about making sure grandma can avoid scams online. It’s about making sure veterans can talk to their doctors. It’s about kids being able to do homework. That’s what digital equity really means.”
