Trump’s Social Media Rant Targets Digital Equity Act, Calling it "Racist"

In yet another instance of President Donald Trump using social media to voice his opinions, he has set his sights on a Biden-era program designed to bridge the digital divide. Trump’s recent Truth Social post has sparked controversy, with him declaring his intention to dismantle the Digital Equity Act (DEA), branding it as both "racist" and "unconstitutional."

The Digital Equity Act, enacted in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act under former President Joe Biden, allocated $2.75 billion to establish three federal grant programs managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The DEA’s overarching goal is to ensure that everyone has the necessary skills, technology, and capacity to fully participate in the digital economy. This includes initiatives such as digital skills and workforce training, promoting high-speed internet access in rural and tribal areas, and enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

According to reports from the New York Times, approximately $60 million has already been allocated to fund programs in states and territories, particularly in rural regions such as Indiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, and Kansas. However, Trump’s administration appears determined to undo anything associated with his predecessor.

In his Truth Social post, Trump stated that he and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick were in agreement regarding the DEA. He wrote, "No more woke handouts based on race! The Digital Equity Program is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway." He further declared his intention to end the program "IMMEDIATELY."

The article argues that Trump’s accusations of racism should be dismissed, drawing a parallel to dismissing hate speech from biased groups. It quotes Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the author of the Digital Equity Act, who stated, "As usual, the President has no idea what he’s talking about." While the article emphasizes the need to disregard Trump’s unsubstantiated claims, it acknowledges that the DEA does mention race once in the context of covering racial or ethnic minorities. The law also includes a general nondiscrimination clause that references race, which is derived from the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Senator Murray further criticized Trump’s stance, stating, "It’s absolutely insane that resources meant to help red and blue communities – everyone from local school districts and libraries to workforce training programs and Tribes – close the digital divide will be illegally blocked because the President doesn’t like the word equity. Americans are sick and tired of extremist right-wing culture wars being forced down our throats."

The article underscores the significance of addressing the digital divide, which encompasses not only access to devices and the internet but also the lack of digital skills, inadequate infrastructure, and other barriers. With the increasing reliance on online platforms for various aspects of life, such as telehealth appointments, job applications, benefit access, and online education, the digital divide has become a pressing issue. However, due to its recent implementation, the DEA has not yet had a chance to make a significant impact. A portion of the funding announced in early January of this year has yet to be distributed, and the Trump administration has already frozen funding in April.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has expressed concern over the funding freeze. In a statement, the NDIA noted that 13 programs of its subgrantees, which were awaiting funding, would have served over 30,000 individuals in the next five years alone. The organization stated that Trump’s Truth Social post has jeopardized these programs and many others, potentially harming real people.

The NDIA further criticized the decision, asserting that it lacks a policy rationale and economic sense. They warned that cutting funding would exacerbate the digital divide and lead to greater costs in the long run.

It remains unclear whether Trump has taken any concrete steps to terminate the DEA beyond his social media post. However, as with previous attempts by his administration to freeze federal funding, legal challenges could arise if he takes further action. The future of the Digital Equity Act remains uncertain, as it becomes a political flashpoint in the ongoing battle between the Trump and Biden administrations. The program, designed to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology and digital skills, is now at risk of being dismantled due to Trump’s objections and accusations of racism. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for communities across the country, particularly those in rural and underserved areas who rely on the DEA’s resources to participate in the digital economy.