Judge Blocks Trump's Executive Orders Ending Federal Support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at ending government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore granted a preliminary injunction blocking the administration from terminating or changing federal contracts related to these programs.

The judge found that the orders likely carry constitutional violations, including against free-speech rights. Trump signed an order on his first day in office directing federal agencies to terminate all “equity-related” grants or contracts, and followed up with a requirement for federal contractors to certify that they don’t promote DEI.

The plaintiffs, which include the city of Baltimore and higher education groups, sued the Trump administration earlier this month. They argued that the executive orders are unconstitutional and a blatant overreach of presidential authority, and also alleged that the directives have a chilling effect on free speech.

“The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order,” Judge Abelson said during a hearing this week.

The judge's order allows for the attorney general to investigate and prepare a report on DEI practices, but blocks enforcement. The decision comes after the Trump administration argued that the president was targeting only DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws.