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WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Friday largely blocked sweeping executive orders from President Donald Trump that sought to end government support for programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore granted a preliminary injunction, preventing the administration from terminating or altering federal contracts deemed equity-related. Abelson ruled that the orders likely violate constitutional rights, including free speech protections.
Trump signed an order on his first day in office directing federal agencies to terminate all “equity-related” grants or contracts. He later issued a follow-up order requiring federal contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI initiatives.
The plaintiffs, including the city of Baltimore and higher education groups, sued the Trump administration earlier this month, arguing that the executive orders are unconstitutional and represent an overreach of presidential authority. They also claimed the directives have a chilling effect on free speech.
The Trump administration countered that the president was targeting only DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws.
Abelson, nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the executive orders discourage businesses, organizations, and public entities from openly supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order,” Abelson said during a hearing this week.
While Abelson’s order permits the attorney general to investigate and prepare a report on DEI practices, it blocks enforcement of the executive orders.
