TRUMP KILLS DIGITAL EQUITY ACT, BUT $1.25B PROGRAM RETURNS

The Digital Equity Act faced termination under the Trump administration's policy review. However, a federal court intervened, requiring the restoration of the program's core funding component aimed at expanding broadband access to underserved communities. The judge determined that while the overall program could proceed, specific provisions considering race in fund distribution violated constitutional law. The decision required the administration to restructure how the $1.25 billion is allocated. The program, originally designed to close broadband gaps in rural and low-income areas, now continues under modified guidelines. Officials must identify new criteria for distributing funds that comply with the court's constitutional standards. The case reflects broader tension between equity-focused policies and constitutional scrutiny of race-conscious programs.