A federal judge has halted an executive order from US President Donald Trump that aimed to cut government funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, ruling that it likely violates free speech rights.
Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore issued an injunction on Friday, temporarily blocking the order while a legal challenge continues. The decision is a setback for Trump’s administration, which has sought to end all federal support for DEI initiatives.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to eliminate all “equity-related” grants and contracts. He later signed another order requiring federal contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI in their workplace policies.
The move sparked immediate legal action from plaintiffs including the city of Baltimore and higher education groups. They argue that Trump’s directives are unconstitutional and represent an overreach of presidential authority. The plaintiffs say the orders discourage organisations from supporting DEI and limit free speech.
Abelson, a Biden appointee, sided with the plaintiffs. He stated that the executive orders pressure businesses, educational institutions, and public entities into silence on issues of diversity and inclusion.
“The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order,” Abelson said during a hearing this week.
Despite blocking the order, Abelson’s ruling does allow the US attorney general to investigate DEI practices and prepare a report on their implementation.
The Trump administration has defended the measures, arguing that they are only targeting DEI programmes that violate federal civil rights laws. Officials claim the government has the right to align federal spending with the president’s priorities.
However, critics say the administration’s stance is an attempt to dismantle long-standing efforts to promote workplace and educational diversity. The legal battle is expected to continue in the coming months as the lawsuit moves forward.
Furthermore, Trump also abruptly removed Air Force General CQ Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The move was part of a broader effort to replace military leaders who support diversity and equity. Brown was the second Black general to hold the position.
