In a controversial move that’s ignited fierce debate, former President Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle the Digital Equity Act, a federal initiative aimed at closing the digital divide across the United States. Trump denounced the program as “racist,” claiming it unfairly prioritizes minority and underserved communities for broadband access and digital inclusion programs.
The Digital Equity Act, enacted as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, was designed to expand access to high-speed internet in rural and low-income areas, particularly benefiting communities historically left behind in the digital age. The law allocates billions of dollars in grants to states and nonprofits to help marginalized groups—including communities of color, tribal nations, and low-income households—gain access to affordable internet, digital skills training, and essential online services.
But in recent campaign speeches and policy statements, Trump has criticized the law as “discriminatory” and “anti-white,” suggesting that it represents what he calls “woke politics disguised as infrastructure.” He has promised to eliminate the initiative if re-elected and has already mobilized conservative lawmakers to begin efforts to repeal key funding provisions in Congress.
“This program doesn’t help all Americans—it picks winners and losers based on race,” Trump claimed at a rally in Pennsylvania. “We’re going to stop this race-based digital welfare and bring fairness back to government.”
Civil rights groups and digital equity advocates quickly condemned Trump’s remarks, accusing him of misrepresenting the law and undermining efforts to address a persistent and well-documented digital divide in America.
“The Digital Equity Act is about ensuring that every American—regardless of race, income, or geography—can participate fully in the digital economy,” said Maya Wiley, president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Calling it racist is not only inaccurate, it’s a dangerous distraction from real inequality.”
Data from the Federal Communications Commission and Pew Research Center shows that millions of Americans—especially in Black, Latino, Indigenous, and rural communities—still lack reliable access to broadband internet. Without that access, experts say, residents face barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation.
In response to Trump’s efforts, several governors and state officials, including some Republicans, have defended the law. Many states have already received Digital Equity planning grants and are preparing to implement programs aimed at closing the digital gap.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about progress,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “We can’t afford to go backward when so many communities are just now getting a fair shot at connectivity.”
As the 2026 election cycle heats up, the future of the Digital Equity Act could become a major policy battleground. Trump’s position aligns with a broader push from the far-right to challenge diversity-focused initiatives across education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors.
Analysts warn that repealing the act could stall or reverse critical advancements in digital access, particularly in rural heartland states that have long lacked adequate broadband infrastructure.
Whether Trump’s rhetoric resonates with voters—or backfires among families finally seeing high-speed internet arrive in their communities—remains to be seen. For now, the clash over digital equity has added a new dimension to the culture wars defining America’s political landscape.
Source : Swifteradio.com
