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- The Digital Equity Act, aimed at closing the digital divide, is under threat as President Trump vows to end it.
- Trump labels the program as “woke handouts” and “unconstitutional.”
- The act had allocated $2.75 billion for digital equity initiatives across the U.S.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The Digital Equity Act, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, was designed to ensure all individuals and communities have the necessary information technology capacity for full participation in U.S. society and economy. However, President Trump has announced his intention to terminate the program, calling it “woke handouts” and “unconstitutional.”
Core Players
- Donald Trump – President Trump and 2024 Republican frontrunner
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) – Administers the Digital Equity Act grants
- State and local governments – Recipients of the Digital Equity Act grants
- Community organizations, non-profits, educational institutions, and libraries – Partners in digital equity initiatives
Key Numbers
- $2.75 billion – Total funding allocated for the Digital Equity Act
- $1.44 billion – Funding for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
- $60 million – Funding for the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program
- $1.25 billion – Funding for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
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The Catalyst
On May 9, 2025, the NTIA sent termination letters to recipients of grants under the Digital Equity Act, following Trump’s public declaration to end the program. This move has significant implications for communities that rely on these grants to improve digital access and literacy.
“I have spoken with my wonderful Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and we agree that the Biden/Harris so-called ‘Digital Equity Act’ is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL,” Trump stated, emphasizing his stance against the program.
Inside Forces
The Digital Equity Act was structured into three main grant programs: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. These programs aimed to address digital divides by improving infrastructure, providing affordable connectivity devices, and offering digital literacy training.
Counties and states had begun implementing these programs, with several counties receiving award notifications just before the termination announcement.
Power Dynamics
Trump’s decision to end the Digital Equity Act reflects his broader stance against what he terms “woke” policies. This move aligns with his previous criticisms of programs he perceives as racially or socially biased.
The Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, supports Trump’s decision, indicating a unified front within the administration against these initiatives.
Outside Impact
The termination of the Digital Equity Act grants will have a profound impact on communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Programs such as laptop distribution in rural Iowa, reconnecting communities after natural disasters like Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, and digital literacy programs for older adults in Oregon and Alabama will be severely affected.
Local governments and community organizations are expressing concern over the loss of these critical funds, which were essential for their digital equity plans.
Future Forces
The future of digital equity initiatives remains uncertain. Without the funding from the Digital Equity Act, many programs will struggle to continue, exacerbating the digital divide.
Potential alternatives or new initiatives may emerge, but for now, the termination of these grants leaves a significant gap in resources for communities in need.
Data Points
- 2021: The Digital Equity Act was passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
- May 9, 2025: NTIA sent termination letters to grant recipients.
- January 2025: Counties received award notifications before the program’s termination.
- $2.75 billion: Total funding allocated for the Digital Equity Act.
The termination of the Digital Equity Act grants marks a significant setback in efforts to close the digital divide in the U.S. As communities and stakeholders navigate this new landscape, the need for alternative solutions to ensure digital equity becomes increasingly urgent.
