A federal judge in California has delivered a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration, halting enforcement of executive orders that would bar grant recipients from promoting diversity initiatives or acknowledging transgender individuals.
The ruling, issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar, temporarily prevents the federal government from conditioning grants on the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts or trans-affirming programming, a move LGBTQ+ groups argue violates constitutional protections.
“The funding provisions reflect an effort to censor constitutionally protected speech and services promoting DEI and recognizing the existence of transgender individuals,” Tigar wrote in his decision.
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The court’s injunction will remain in effect as the case unfolds, though a government appeal is expected.
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Tigar emphasized that executive authority has limits, even in matters of federal subsidies. “It cannot weaponize Congressionally appropriated funds to single out protected communities for disfavored treatment or suppress ideas that it does not like or has deemed dangerous,” he added.
The case was brought by a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations, including health centers, community service groups, and the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Historical Society. All plaintiffs rely on federal funding and argue the administration’s mandates obstruct their missions and infringe on free expression.
Among them is the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, which in 2023 secured a five-year, $1.3 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve sexual health services, particularly for populations facing the highest disparities.
But in April, the CDC notified the foundation that it must “immediately terminate all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts” that promote DEI or gender ideology.
The clash, according to a report, stems from a series of executive orders President Donald Trump has signed since retaking office in January, aimed at rolling back transgender protections and dismantling DEI-focused initiatives. Administration lawyers argued that these directives are well within presidential authority and reflect a legitimate attempt to “align government funding and enforcement strategies” with broader policy goals.
However, plaintiffs maintain that only Congress holds the constitutional power to determine how federal funds are used and that the executive orders represent an unconstitutional restriction on free speech.
