President Trump has consistently used a straightforward criterion for evaluating government programs: Does it work?
If the answer is yes—even occasionally—he supports it. If not, he’ll either dismantle it or make significant changes. Intentions aside, what really matters is getting the job done.
For many Americans, this approach is encouraging. However, it’s a challenge for bureaucrats who might prefer squandering taxpayer funds while pretending to serve the needs of the public.
Reinventing Broadband
A prime example is the Trump administration’s recent move to revamp the Biden administration’s complex broadband equity and development initiative. Ironically, while the term “equity” sounds nice, the program was riddled with incompetence and corruption, hidden behind a veneer of good intentions.
The initiative, started in 2021, committed $42 billion in grants aimed at expanding internet access in underserved areas, which, on the surface, seems beneficial—especially for rural voters who tend to back Trump.
Did this program actually deliver internet access? Not at all. It serves as yet another illustration of a government effort that, while well-meaning, failed in execution and wasted taxpayer money.
The chaos surrounding this initiative stems from several factors. Initially, the program was hamstrung by its mandates and political backing. Rather than targeting effective solutions for rural communities, it ended up prioritizing fiber optics—the least efficient internet solution for these areas—costing up to $100,000 per household, making it impractical for many.
Meanwhile, the better option, satellite internet, was overlooked, despite its potential affordability. Why, you ask? Because the fiber industry has strong political connections that allowed it to overshadow real competition, ultimately leaving taxpayers shortchanged.
Seeing this, the Trump administration acted decisively, bringing back genuine competition and protecting taxpayer interests. According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the new reforms ensure that the program “effectively delivers high-speed Internet access in a technology-neutral manner at a fair price.”
Democratic Response
As anticipated, the Democrats reacted strongly. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, shifting from her anti-corporate position, allied herself with the fiber industry. She joined fellow Democrats in asserting in a letter that, upon careful evaluation, fiber optic technology surpasses all others in speed and capacity.
This claim is, quite frankly, absurd—especially considering that many signatories come from urban areas and lack understanding of rural challenges.
Free Market Principles
If fiber and broadband really are superior, they should thrive in a fair competition. The crux of the matter is that their approach has always leaned toward manipulation rather than genuine competition.
Trump’s strategy may resonate with a broader audience, especially in Red States. Only then might these industries be compelled to abandon their longstanding connections to political favoritism.
