A federal judge has 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 found they likely violate free-speech rights and granted an injunction blocking them as a lawsuit plays out. Trump signed an order his first day in office directing federal agencies to terminate all “equity-related” grants or contracts. The city of Baltimore and higher education groups sued, arguing the executive orders are unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential authority. The Trump administration has argued that the president was targeting only DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws.
