US President Donald Trump criticised the legislation signed by President Joe Biden aimed at expanding access to high-speed internet, calling it “racist” and “unconstitutional.” “I’ve 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 wrote on Truth Social.
The legislation, which is part of Biden’s broader infrastructure plan, is designed to improve internet access for various groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and those in rural communities. However, Trump took particular issue with provisions that aim to enhance internet access for racial and ethnic minorities. He continued, “No more woke handouts based on race! The Digital Equity Program is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway. I am ending this IMMEDIATELY and saving taxpayers BILLIONS OF DOLLARS!”
The law seeks to improve internet access in underserved areas. Despite Trump’s claims, The New York Times reported that the legislation doesn’t specifically prioritise race, only stating that the program could assist racial minorities. It also includes a nondiscrimination clause, inspired by the 1964 Civil Rights Act, that ensures individuals cannot be excluded from the program based on their race, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
What is the Digital Equity Act?
The Digital Equity Act allocates $60 million in grants to states and territories to develop plans for equitable internet access, and $2.5 billion to help implement those plans. Some funds have already been distributed to conservative, rural states like Indiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, and Kansas. Additional funding, approved during the final days of the Biden administration, has yet to be disbursed. The initiative is overseen by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Commerce. If Trump moves to cancel the funding, it would likely face significant legal challenges. The Trump administration had some success temporarily halting grants for programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, but in March, a federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s decision to block a freeze on funding for states, noting that the freeze could harm those reliant on the federal assistance.
” Another Gift For Elon”
Internet swiftly reacted to Trump’s comment. A user said, “Another gift for Elon. Starlink is one of the options in rural areas. By defunding broadband access, it gives Starlink a competitive advantage since it’s speeds will not be impacted. Oligarchy and kleptocracy.” Another noted, “He’s cancelling a program for mostly white, rural Republicans because it had the word Equity in the name.” “Because they’re starting to see who he is, so he’s got to strangle their access to information,” claimed a user. A user explained, “Trump can’t have his base supporters having too much access to information that might conflict with what they hear on conservative talk radio and entertainment “news”.” Meanwhile, another user added, “I work in telecom with Trump idolizers. I saw this being said once before and they thought nothing of it. Our company in particular relies on new builds and specifically for areas that would benefit from this. They are and I will be affected by what they voted for. The play for this is simple. It all leads back to Elon and Starlink. The funding for this will be diverted to Starlink for a subpar service that is more expensive and less reliable.”
