Trump Says He Will End Program That Helps Poor Families Get Internet
Former President Donald Trump announced a major change he would make if he wins the 2024 election: ending a Biden-era program that helps millions of low-income Americans pay for internet service. The program, called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), was started in 2021 to help close the “digital divide” and make sure everyone in the United States has access to fast, reliable internet.
What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP is a government program that gives eligible families a discount on their internet bills. Here’s how it works:
- Eligible households get up to $30 off their monthly internet bill.
- Families living on tribal lands get up to $75 off per month.
- More than 23 million households across the U.S. are using this program right now.
Trump’s Plan: End the Program
In a statement released on Wednesday, Trump’s campaign said he wants to end the ACP if he returns to the White House. His team called the program “wasteful government spending.”
According to the statement: “The Biden administration’s approach is yet another example of big government overreach. President Trump will end this program and instead focus on unleashing innovation and investment by removing burdensome regulations.”
Trump believes that it should be private businesses, not the federal government, leading the effort to expand internet access. He says that cutting government rules and letting companies compete would help more people get connected in the long run.
What Supporters of the Program Say
Many people and organizations strongly disagree with Trump’s plan. Digital equity advocates say the ACP is making a real difference for families who need help the most.
Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, said, “This program has been a lifeline for families struggling to stay connected for work, school, and healthcare. Rolling it back would be a major setback in the fight to close the digital divide.”
Some of the biggest internet companies, like AT&T, also support keeping the ACP going. A spokesperson for AT&T said, “The ACP has helped millions of Americans get online and participate in the digital economy. We urge policymakers to find a bipartisan path forward to keep this important program funded.”
Why Expanding Internet Access Matters
President Joe Biden has made closing the country’s digital divide one of his top goals. His administration says that affordable internet is important for:
- Economic opportunity – finding jobs, running businesses, and working from home
- Education – students need reliable internet for homework and online classes
- Healthcare – more doctors’ visits are happening online, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic
What Happens Next?
Right now, Congress is debating whether to keep funding the ACP. If lawmakers don’t act soon, the money for the program could run out later this year. That means millions of families might lose their internet discounts and have to pay full price again.
The future of the ACP could depend on:
- What Congress decides about funding
- Who wins the 2024 presidential election
The Debate Continues
The question of how to help all Americans get online is still up for debate. Some people think the government should help, while others say businesses can do the job better. What happens with the Affordable Connectivity Program will affect millions of families, students, and workers across the country.
As the 2024 election approaches, the future of affordable internet access is a hot topic. Lawmakers and voters will decide if the ACP continues to connect Americans—or if the program comes to an end.