Trump Attempts to End Digital Equity Act, Experts Urge Its Continuation

 

President Trump, through a statement on Truth Social dated May 8, declared the termination of the Digital Equity Act, citing it as unconstitutional and problematic. Contrary to these claims, the Act is firmly rooted in legality and aims to extend broadband benefits to all Americans.

The Digital Equity Act emphasizes the necessity of broadband and digital literacy for functioning in modern society, addressing health, education, and economic participation.

The Act mandates the Commerce Department to set up initiatives that foster digital equity and broadband access, focusing on seamless integration into the digital world for all citizens.

The broader connectivity promised by the Act is designed to facilitate interactions across various domains such as employment, healthcare, education, and commerce. It is an inclusive framework meant to connect all Americans to essential digital services.

Legislative procedures involve Congress enacting laws, the Administration executing them, and judicial systems interpreting them. Despite the partnerships formed between states and the U.S. Department of Commerce, no legal disputes have arisen concerning the Act. Neither Trump nor Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has the authority to nullify legislation; this remains the judiciary's realm.

During confirmation hearings, Sec. Lutnick committed himself to adhering to legislative directives: “I will follow the law.” It's imperative for the continued implementation of the Digital Equity Act as legislated.

The Act pays special attention to “covered populations” that face challenges in adopting digital services, including older adults, veterans, low-income individuals, rural residents, and racial minorities.

To highlight its impact, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is allocating over $40 billion for broadband network expansion. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program aims at reaching over five million rural sites.

The disparity in broadband adoption is significantly greater than in access. For example, 97 percent of households earning over $75,000 have broadband, compared to less than 72 percent of those making less than $20,000. In 2020, research indicated that 22 million seniors, or 42 percent, lacked home broadband access. 15 percent of veterans are disconnected from needed services.

Congress has charged the Digital Equity Act with assisting these groups.

States await federal funds to address the digital needs identified, indicating a demand for the continuation of these programs.

Despite President Trump and Secretary Lutnick's stance, American law cannot be undone by social media. Sec. Lutnick is urged to defy any unlawful directives from the administration.

As per Congress, achieving digital equity is intertwined with social justice and economic rights.

The task ahead is to fulfill the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, ensuring every American is digitally connected.

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Dr. Revati Prasad is the Executive Director of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.

Drew Garner is the Director of Policy Engagement at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.