Executive orders eliminated diversity programs and spending in federal government and pressured private companies and government contractors to do the same
A federal judge in Maryland has issued a preliminary injunction halting two of former President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The orders aimed to eliminate DEI initiatives in the federal government and pressure private companies to follow suit. Judge Adam B. Adelson ruled that the challengers demonstrated viable First and Fifth Amendment concerns, noting the orders lacked a clear definition of DEI, risking arbitrary enforcement. The lawsuit, brought by groups including Democracy Forward and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, argued the orders were overly broad. While the Trump administration defended the orders as targeting already illegal activities, the judge's ruling highlights potential legal issues. Despite the injunction, the orders have already caused significant impacts, such as canceled contracts and firings. This follows a broader backlash against DEI efforts, leading some major companies to roll back their programs.
