Judge Halts Trump-Era Ban on Diversity and Transgender-Inclusive Programs in Federal Grants

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing executive orders that would bar federal grant recipients from promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) or acknowledging transgender identities.

According to NBC NEWS, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar issued the preliminary injunction Monday, saying the orders likely violate constitutional protections, particularly the First Amendment. His ruling halts enforcement while a lawsuit brought by LGBTQ+ organizations and health service providers proceeds.

“The government cannot condition federal funding on the abandonment of constitutionally protected speech,” Tigar wrote. He added that the executive branch "cannot weaponize Congressionally appropriated funds to single out protected communities for disfavored treatment or suppress ideas it disfavors."

The lawsuit was filed by several LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the GLBT Historical Society. They argue the orders severely restrict their ability to serve vulnerable communities.

In 2023, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation received a five-year, $1.3 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand sexual health services for communities disproportionately affected by STIs. But in April, the CDC ordered the foundation to “immediately terminate” any programs, personnel or contracts promoting DEI or so-called gender ideology.

Since returning to office in January, former President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders targeting DEI initiatives and reversing protections for transgender individuals. Federal attorneys argue that the administration has the right to align funding priorities with its policy goals.

But plaintiffs say the executive orders unlawfully limit speech and overstep the president’s authority, noting that only Congress has the power to dictate how federal funds are conditioned.

“This ruling is a critical step in protecting the rights of marginalized communities and the organizations that serve them,” said a spokesperson for one of the plaintiff groups.

Government attorneys are expected to appeal the decision.