Former President Donald Trump has expressed his strong opposition to the digital equity law enacted by his predecessor, Joe Biden, vowing to dismantle it.
On Thursday, Trump stated his intention to terminate the program that was established in 2021.
“The so-called ‘digital equity laws’ by Biden and Harris are entirely unconstitutional… I will put an end to this and save taxpayers billions!”
“I had a discussion with Howard Lutnick, the esteemed Secretary of Commerce, and we both agree that these ‘digital equity laws’ are unconstitutional,” he stated on his platform.
“We cannot allow handouts determined by race!” he continued. “This digital equity initiative is a racist and unlawful $2.5 billion giveaway. I will terminate this immediately, saving billions for taxpayers!”
Some funds from the bill have already been allocated to states like Kansas, Alabama, and Arkansas. Supporters of the initiative have refuted Trump’s claims of racism, asserting that the law does not primarily concern itself with race.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, who was instrumental in writing the bill, expressed her frustration over Trump’s announcement.
“The resources aimed at assisting both red and blue communities are being unjustly hindered because of the president’s aversion to fairness,” Murray remarked.
“Americans are exhausted by the far-right’s cultural battles that disrupt our lives,” she added. “Republicans need to clarify to their constituents why this GOP administration believes funding for local libraries, which help seniors with telehealth services or why rural middle school students shouldn’t receive laptops, is unnecessary.”
Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts also criticized Trump, highlighting the risks his actions pose.
“Congress passed the Digital Equity Act to ensure all Americans can equally access the online world. This unlawful move damages our economy, education, older citizens, and democracy.”
