In Washington, a federal judge has largely blocked executive orders issued by President Donald Trump intended to terminate government funding for initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson, based in Baltimore, issued a preliminary injunction on Friday, preventing the administration from canceling or altering federal contracts considered to be related to equity.
Judge Abelson highlighted potential constitutional violations in the orders, including infringements on free speech rights. These developments stem from orders that President Trump signed on his first day in office, which directed federal agencies to eliminate all DEI-related grants or contracts. Another subsequent order required federal contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI initiatives.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment following the injunction. Legal action was initiated against the administration by plaintiffs including the city of Baltimore and higher education organizations. The plaintiffs argue that the executive orders are unconstitutional and represent a significant overreach of presidential authority, also claiming that the orders discourage free expression.
During a court hearing, attorney Aleshadye Getachew suggested that the administration’s actions represent an excessive reversal on DEI commitments. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has maintained that its focus is only on DEI programs that allegedly break federal civil rights laws, asserting the president’s authority to align federal spending with his policy priorities.
Justice Department attorney Pardis Gheibi argued that the government is not obligated to financially support speech that it does not endorse. However, Judge Abelson sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the executive orders intimidate businesses and organizations that advocate for DEI.
While Judge Abelson’s ruling allows the Attorney General to investigate and compile a report on DEI practices, enforcement of the orders is currently blocked. In his written decision, Abelson noted the potentially unconstitutional vagueness of the orders, highlighting the confusion faced by federal contractors and grant recipients over compliance requirements. He illustrated his concern with examples, pondering whether funding for educational technology or road construction in specific communities could be deemed “equity-related.”
Efforts to promote diversity have long been criticized by some Republicans who view them as threats to meritocratic principles, especially for white individuals. However, supporters of DEI argue that such programs address systemic inequalities and have been crucial in helping organizations and educational institutions meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population.
The lawsuit claims that President Trump’s sudden move to halt these programs would cause extensive harm due to the orders’ ambiguous language. The plaintiffs, including the city of Baltimore and various higher education and advocacy groups, argue that the orders place them in a precarious position, as they rely on federal funding for various community support initiatives.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has been a strong advocate for improving opportunities for the city’s vulnerable residents, and he has faced criticism from some quarters for his DEI initiatives. Other plaintiffs in the suite such as the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, argue that the executive orders undermine their efforts and represent an unlawful concentration of power by the President. Their legal team contends that such actions overstep the bounds of presidential authority, asserting that the President’s powers are not as far-reaching as claimed.
