Portland, Oregon (AP) – A program is currently providing laptops to rural Iowa. Following Hurricane Helen’s destruction of computers and phones in western North Carolina, another individual assisted in restoring internet access. Initiatives in Oregon and rural Alabama are aimed at teaching older adults, who may not have had prior exposure to technology, how to navigate the increasingly digital landscape.
Everything changed when President Donald Trump announced his plan to discontinue his own digital platform, Truth Social, and criticized the Digital Equity Law, a federal grant initiative designed to address digital inequalities. He labeled it as “racist and illegal,” referring to it as “welfare handouts based on race,” and called it an “unlawful $2.5 billion giveaway,” though the program was actually supported with $2.75 billion in funding.
When Congress approved the program in 2021, it seemed innocuous enough as part of a $65 billion investment aimed at ensuring internet access for every U.S. residence and business. The broadband initiative stemmed from a trillion-dollar infrastructure law, advocated by Democratic President Joe Biden.
The digital equity law aimed to close the gap and address the unmet requirements that surfaced during the extensive broadband rollout. It enabled states and tribes to provide high-speed internet to underserved families, computers for children without access, remote services for rural seniors, and training resources for veterans.
It remains uncertain whether Trump possesses the legal authority to dismantle the program. For the present, however, the Republican administration can simply cease expenditures.
“It breaks my heart that we were on the brink of addressing digital disparity in this country,” expressed Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, a nonprofit recipient of the funding. “Digital disparity impacts not just physical internet access, but the ability to utilize it effectively for essential needs.”
The term “fair”
The program’s designation likely made it a target, as the Trump administration has been eliminating initiatives that advance diversity, equity, or inclusion—suggesting that the intent of the digital equity law was more expansive.
Though Trump branded it as racist, the terms “racial” or “race” appear only twice in the legal text: once while specifying that individuals should not be excluded from funding based on factors such as color, religion, origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability, and again, emphasizing inclusivity for seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, English learners, and rural Americans.
“Digital equity was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support,” stated Washington Democrat Sen. Patty Murray, a principal champion of the law. “That’s because my Republican colleagues heard the same stories I did—like students in rural areas needing to drive to McDonald’s for Wi-Fi to complete their homework.”
“It’s outrageous that Trump is obstructing resources that could provide hotspots and laptops to rural school districts,” she said.
The National Communications and Information Agency, which oversees the program, opted not to comment. It’s unclear how much of the $2.75 billion has been allocated thus far; however, last March, the NTIA announced an $811 million allocation to states, territories, and tribes.
“Increased Confidence”
On a recent morning in Portland, Oregon, Brandon Dawn was among those attending basic keyboard classes conducted by Free Geek, a nonprofit organization offering free courses to help individuals learn computer skills. This class was held in low-income residential buildings to enhance accessibility for residents.
Participants, including Dawn, were provided laptops and learned various key functions: control, shift, caps lock, and methods for copying and pasting. They engaged in a typing game to familiarize themselves with key placement on a color-coded keyboard.
Dawn, 63, noted that the class was beneficial because “in this day and age, everything requires a computer.” He expressed how it has helped him feel more independent and less reliant on his children and grandchildren for tasks like online bookings.
“For people my age, we spent our time working and raising families, so we lacked this opportunity,” he explained. “This is an excellent way to empower us to help ourselves.”
Juan Muro, executive director of Free Geek, emphasized that participants receive essential tools and skills to access online banking, job applications, educational programs, telehealth services, and more. Trump’s final fundraising decision posed challenges for nonprofits like Free Geek, forcing them to seek their own funding to continue these vital services.
Sara Nichols, who works for the Land of Sky Regional Council—a multi-county planning and development organization in western North Carolina—shared that their grant was approved just before Trump’s inauguration. However, like other groups contacted by the Associated Press, they have yet to receive funding.
Land of Sky has been dedicating resources to assist individuals recovering from last year’s storm, and Nichols described the award notification as “incredible news.”
“But given the national context, we feel we’re in limbo, waiting on next steps,” she added. “What do we do now? How do we keep our community engaged?”
Addressing Unmet Needs
More than a fifth of Americans lack broadband internet access at home, according to the Pew Research Center. In rural areas, that figure rises to 27%.
In addition to facilitating access to technology and high-speed internet, many programs funded by the Digital Equity Act aimed to employ “digital navigators.”
“In the U.S., we lack a consistent funding source to assist individuals in getting online. We need to know how to navigate safely and leverage technology to meet our current online needs,” Siefer stated.
This includes helping seniors avoid online scams and providing internet hotspots for families to ensure home access.
“Health, workforce, education—everything hinges on this,” Siefer commented. “This law represents a critical first step for the U.S. to tackle this issue. As technology becomes more ubiquitous, internet access and proficiency in its use are essential for thriving in today’s society.”
Siefer posited that the term “equity” in the program’s title may have prompted Trump to target it for elimination.
“However, that suggests he didn’t comprehend the program’s significance,” she remarked. “Who wouldn’t want to ensure that grandmothers are safe online? Who wouldn’t want to facilitate remote doctor’s appointments rather than having veterans drive two hours? Who wouldn’t want students to complete their homework?”
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Orttey reported from San Francisco.
Source: apnews.com