Trump’s New Budget Plan Targets Digital Equity Funding
Former President Donald Trump has made it official: if he returns to the White House, he wants to end funding for digital equity programs. Trump's 2025 budget proposal, released by his team this week, calls for eliminating special grants that help Americans get online and use technology.
What Are Digital Equity Programs?
These programs, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), are run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Their main goal is to help close the digital divide—the gap between people who have access to the internet and technology, and those who do not.
Digital equity programs provide:
- Training in digital skills and literacy
- Affordable access to broadband internet
- Devices like computers and tablets to those who need them
- State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program
- State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
- Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
Why Does Trump Want to Cut These Programs?
Trump’s budget document says, “The Budget eliminates the Digital Equity Act programs, which provide grants to states and other entities to promote digital inclusion and equity. The Administration believes that these activities are better carried out by the private sector and state and local governments.”
In other words, Trump’s team thinks local governments and private companies should take care of digital equity, not the federal government.
What Has the Biden Administration Done?
President Biden’s team has made digital equity a big part of its plan to expand internet access. They set aside $2.75 billion for digital equity grants as part of the IIJA. The first round of planning grants was given out in 2022, and states are now getting ready to apply for the next round, called capacity grants.
The NTIA says these programs are very important. They argue that building broadband networks is not enough—people also need help learning how to use the internet and get access to devices.
Who Would Be Affected by These Cuts?
Advocates for digital equity warn that cutting these programs would make it harder to close the digital divide, especially for groups who already struggle to get online. These groups include:
- Low-income households
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Rural residents
More Than Digital Equity: Other Programs on the Chopping Block
Trump’s budget also wants to get rid of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program helps low-income families pay for their internet bills each month. Right now, the ACP is set to run out of money in April unless Congress decides to keep it going.
If both the digital equity grants and the ACP are cut, many families and individuals could lose both support for getting online and help paying for internet service.
What Happens Next?
It’s important to know that presidential budget proposals are not the same as laws. Congress decides what actually gets funded. Most budget proposals—no matter who is president—are changed before they become law. But these proposals show what the president thinks is important.
Trump’s plan makes it clear: if he returns to the White House, programs that help people get online and teach digital skills would be at risk.
Why Does Digital Equity Matter?
Having access to the internet and knowing how to use it is important for:
- Doing homework and school assignments
- Applying for jobs and working from home
- Staying in touch with family and friends
- Accessing healthcare and government services
The Big Picture
While Trump’s budget proposal is unlikely to pass exactly as written, it sends a strong message about his priorities. If these programs are cut, it could slow down progress toward making the internet accessible for all Americans, especially for those who need help the most.
The debate over digital equity and broadband access will likely continue as lawmakers decide how to spend the country’s money in the coming year.