A federal judge just dealt a blow to Trump’s attacks on controversial DEI programs, claiming the order posed a “coercive threat” to free speech. The ruling temporarily shields federally-funded diversity initiatives from Trump’s executive action that sought to restore merit-based standards across government contracts.
At a glance:
• Federal Judge Matthew F. Kennelly blocked part of Trump’s Executive Order that aimed to end federal contracts with organizations promoting DEI programs
• The ruling came in favor of Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT), which receives about 40% of its funding from federal government
• Judge Kennelly, citing First Amendment concerns, called Trump’s order a “coercive threat” that negatively affected free speech
• Trump’s Executive Orders sought to terminate “equity-related” federal contracts and required contractors to certify they weren’t promoting DEI
• This temporary restraining order allows DEI programs to continue operating while a full legal challenge to Trump’s order proceeds
Liberal Judge Blocks Trump’s Anti-DEI Initiative
A Biden-appointed federal judge has partially blocked President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders aimed at eliminating federal support for controversial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The ruling marks another instance of judicial intervention against Trump’s efforts to dismantle left-wing ideological programs within the federal government.
Judge Matthew F. Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ruled in favor of Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT), a nonprofit that promotes DEI in the skilled trades industry. The organization receives approximately 40% of its annual budget from federal government funding, making it heavily dependent on taxpayer dollars
Judge Claims “Coercive Threat” Against Free Speech
Kennelly’s ruling cited First Amendment concerns and criticized the vagueness of Trump’s Executive Orders, which he claimed created uncertainty among federal contractors about compliance requirements. The judge characterized the orders as a “coercive threat” that negatively impacted free speech and DEI efforts.
“The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening Executive Order,” stated U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in a similar case challenging Trump’s DEI orders. Liberal judges have consistently opposed Trump’s attempts to restore merit-based standards in federal contracting.
Trump’s Executive Orders, EO 1415 and EO 14173, were designed to end government DEI programs that many conservatives argue promote discrimination and undermine merit-based opportunities. The orders specifically targeted “equity-related” federal contracts and required contractors to certify they weren’t promoting divisive DEI principles.
Part of Broader Legal Battle Over DEI
This ruling represents just one front in a larger legal battle over Trump’s DEI Executive Orders. Earlier cases have seen mixed results, with an appeals court previously lifting a different block on Trump’s orders while acknowledging potential First Amendment concerns.
Justice Department attorney Pardis Gheibi defended the administration’s position in court, arguing, “The government doesn’t have the obligation to subsidize plaintiffs’ exercise of speech.” The Trump administration has maintained that many DEI programs violate federal civil rights laws by promoting race-based preferences.
