Injunction Lifted on Trump Executive Orders Slashing Federal DEI Support

Donald Trump has scored another legal victory as an appeals court on Friday lifted a block on his executive orders that effectively end federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This decision came from a panel of three judges reversing a previous nationwide injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore.

While two of the judges acknowledged the potential concerns these orders might raise regarding First Amendment rights, they criticized Abelson's sweeping block, suggesting it was a case of judicial overreach. Abelson, nominated by President Biden, had previously argued that the orders violated free speech rights and were "vague" due to their lack of a clear definition of DEI.

The original lawsuit challenging Trump’s orders was filed by the City of Baltimore and several organizations including the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the American Association of University Professors. They claimed the orders represented presidential overreach and infringed on free speech rights. Their argument? A president’s power isn’t limitless. It’s a classic case of tug-of-war between the executive branch and advocacy groups.

Trump’s executive orders directed federal agencies to terminate all equity-related grants and contracts, while also requiring contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI concepts. The administration defended the orders in court, stating that they targeted DEI programs violating federal civil rights laws. Attorney Aleshadye Getachew pointed out that the orders were essentially an attempt to "pull back on DEI statements," sparking an intense debate over the future of such initiatives.

Of course, this isn’t the end of the battle. A similar lawsuit was filed in Washington D.C.’s U.S. District Court earlier this week, challenging additional executive orders like "Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing" and "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism." Advocacy groups such as NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Lambda Legal are leading the charge on this new front.

In response to the backlash, White House spokesman Harrison Fields doubled down, telling reporters that "radical leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board" with Trump’s agenda. A bold statement, but whether it’s "wildly popular" as he claims remains up for debate.