The Trump Administration Targets Federal Digital Equity Initiatives, Raising Alarm Over Internet Access

The Trump administration is persistently undoing programs centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — now focusing on nationwide efforts aimed at bridging the digital gap.

On May 8, former President Donald Trump declared via Truth Social that he was directing the cancellation of the Biden-era Digital Equity Act. This initiative, which designated $2.75 billion to foster digital inclusion across the nation, was criticized by Trump as “racist” and “illegal.” In response to his order, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) swiftly withdrew support for 20 state-level initiatives. These projects were intended to enhance digital access in K-12 educational institutions, assist veterans and seniors, and improve internet connectivity in rural areas.

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) described the action as a “significant setback” in the quest for universal broadband availability. “SETDA aligns with our state members and partners who have persevered in formulating inclusive broadband and digital access strategies tailored to community needs and systemic change,” the organization stated in a release. “Equitable access to technology transcends partisan divides — it serves as a public good.”

This decision has introduced uncertainty regarding the fate of other federally backed broadband programs. Numerous initiatives target communities at the greatest risk of being excluded from the digital landscape, including rural locales, Indigenous groups, and low-income families. Advocates caution that these efforts are now at risk amid the administration’s broader “anti-woke” stance.

Indigenous broadband advocates, for instance, have expressed concerns that a second term for Trump would undermine rural connectivity endeavors that are just gaining momentum. Trump has also promised to reform the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and curtail federal expenditures, actions that could further threaten these initiatives.

“This represents a pivotal moment for digital equity in the U.S.,” remarked Sharayah Lane, senior advisor for community connectivity at the Internet Society and a member of the Lummi Nation. “The cancellation of the Digital Equity Act and the possible alterations to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program will drastically affect access to affordable, high-speed internet in underserved regions. This hampers vital services such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.”

The Biden administration had positioned the closure of the digital divide as a key aspect of its infrastructure strategy, dedicating billions of dollars to enhance high-speed broadband and fiber optic networks. Significant programs included the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, and the BEAD initiative — the latter distributing over $1 billion in grants to state broadband projects. Now, many of those resources hang in the balance.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, appointed under Trump, has initiated a review of the $42 billion BEAD program. He has incorrectly asserted that the program “has not connected a single person to the internet” and denounced it as a “woke mandate” from the preceding administration.

Concurrently, Trump is advocating for the auctioning off of valuable spectrum bands for commercial purposes in WiFi, 5G, and 6G networks through his proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Critics argue that this strategy favors corporate interests and could overshadow rural infrastructure endeavors focused on establishing dependable, physical broadband links. Advocates have long stressed the necessity of investing in “middle mile” fiber optic infrastructure, rather than depending on satellite-based solutions like Elon Musk’s Starlink, which may be less stable and more costly.

“We must prioritize sustainable infrastructure investments via programs like BEAD and the Digital Equity Act,” Lane stressed. “This is crucial to guarantee long-term, affordable internet access for all Americans, bolster our economy, and enhance national digital resilience.”

As the administration forges ahead in reshaping federal broadband policy, the future of digital equity in the U.S. remains unclear — and for numerous underserved communities, the stakes are exceedingly high.