In a controversial decision Friday, a federal judge in Baltimore, Maryland, blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, ruling that the order likely violates free speech rights.
Judge Adam Abelson, a Biden appointee, granted a preliminary injunction halting the implementation of the order as a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality moves forward.
The ruling represents a significant setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to curb what it describes as discriminatory and divisive DEI initiatives.
READ: Left-Leaning Education Orgs Urge Schools To ‘Vigorously’ Disobey Trump Admin’s DEI Directive
President Trump signed the initial executive order on his first day in office, directing federal agencies to terminate all grants or contracts related to DEI programs. A follow-up order required federal contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI initiatives. The administration argued that the orders were necessary to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws and to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding what it called “discriminatory” practices.
However, the orders faced immediate backlash from progressive groups, cities, and higher education institutions. Plaintiffs, including the city of Baltimore and several higher education organizations, sued the Trump administration earlier this month, alleging that the executive orders were unconstitutional and represented an overreach of presidential authority. They also argued that the directives had a chilling effect on free speech by discouraging businesses and organizations from openly supporting DEI efforts.
In his decision, Judge Abelson sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the executive orders were overly broad and vague, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty for entities that support DEI initiatives. “The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order,” Abelson said during a hearing earlier this week.
READ: DHS Slashes 405 Jobs In DEI And Non-Essential Roles For Savings Of $50 Million
The judge emphasized that while the Trump administration has the authority to enforce civil rights laws, the executive orders went too far by broadly targeting DEI programs without clear justification. He also noted that the orders could discourage organizations from engaging in protected speech related to diversity and inclusion.
Despite blocking the enforcement of the executive orders, Abelson’s ruling allows the attorney general to investigate DEI practices and prepare a report on their compliance with federal law. This provision leaves the door open for future actions targeting specific programs that may violate civil rights statutes.
President Trump has been vocal in their opposition to DEI programs, framing them as part of a broader “woke” agenda that undermines merit-based systems and fosters resentment. The executive orders were a key part of the administration’s efforts to roll back what it sees as excessive and ideologically driven policies.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.