Federal Judge Halts Portions of Trump’s Executive Orders Targeting Diversity Efforts, Citing Free Speech Concerns

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Friday that blocks several aspects of the Trump administration’s executive orders aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

This injunction significantly restricts sections of President Donald Trump’s orders that seek to eliminate federal backing for programs identified as DEI-related. Moreover, it prevents the administration from canceling contracts associated with these initiatives.

U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson, appointed by President Biden, determined that certain parts of the executive orders likely infringe upon constitutional rights, particularly free speech.

During a recent hearing, Judge Abelson noted, “The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order.” This vague language could deter businesses working with the government from openly advocating for DEI.

Background of the Legal Challenge

The ruling follows legal actions brought forth by the city of Baltimore, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, which represents restaurant workers. These plaintiffs claim that the executive orders represent an overreach of presidential power and threaten the principle of free speech.

In the filed complaint, their attorneys stated, “Ordinary citizens bear the brunt. Plaintiffs and their members receive federal funds to support educators, academics, students, workers, and communities across the country. As federal agencies make arbitrary decisions about whether grants are ‘equity-related,’ Plaintiffs are left in limbo.”

Claims of Overreach

The plaintiffs argue that Trump’s actions infringe on the powers traditionally held by Congress, asserting that the President does not have the authority to impose such decisions unilaterally. “The President simply does not wield that power,” the complaint emphasizes, expressing that his authority is not without limits.

Trump’s Executive Orders Explored

On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order mandating federal agencies to terminate all contracts or grants that were