Former President Donald Trump abruptly terminated a $15.98 million federal cybersecurity grant to Washington state, citing what his administration called “impermissible and unconstitutional racial preferences” in the program’s framework.
The grant, awarded in December through the Digital Equity Act‘s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, was designed to support the development and statewide implementation of curriculum to educate vulnerable residents about online scams and cybersecurity risks.
The termination notice, initially communicated via Trump’s Truth Social platform on May 8, was followed by a formal Department of Commerce letter declaring the program unconstitutional and non-appealable.
Trump characterized the Digital Equity Act as “racist” and “illegal,” with his administration asserting that the program’s equity-based criteria violated the Equal Protection Clause.
Former president labels Digital Equity Act unconstitutional, claiming its equity focus violates Equal Protection principles through discriminatory practices.
The cancelled funding represented a portion of the $1.44 billion national State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, established under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The initiative aimed to address digital disparities among various groups, including veterans, disabled individuals, older adults, rural communities, and communities of color.
State broadband officials have labeled the cancellation a “serious setback” for digital inclusion and public safety, as Senator Patty Murray, who authored the Digital Equity Act, has strongly condemned the action.
Similar notices of cancellation were sent to states across the nation regarding their Digital Equity Act funding.
The funding loss is expected to notably impact state and local budgets already strained by revenue shortfalls and inflation-driven cost increases. The cuts will especially affect workforce development initiatives designed to increase participation in the digital economy.
The cancellation’s ramifications extend beyond immediate financial concerns, as millions of Washington residents may face increased exposure to cybersecurity risks and scams without the planned educational programs. Studies show that data breach costs now average $4.35 million per incident, highlighting the potential financial impact of reduced cybersecurity education.
State officials must now seek alternative funding sources to maintain digital equity and cybersecurity initiatives, though budget constraints may limit the scope and reach of these critical programs.
