On July 15, 2026, Judge John D. Bates of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a mixed decision in National Digital Inclusion Alliance v. Trump, a case that challenged the Administration’s termination of Digital Equity Act programs. The following statement may be attributed to Dr. Revati Prasad, the executive director of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society:

We commend NDIA’s commitment and courage in bringing the case. This decision is a significant but incomplete victory for those of us committed to meaningful connectivity for all. Congress was right to recognize the historical disparities in access and adoption of critical connectivity tools—and to address these inequities with thoughtful planning and funding. We disagree with the court’s decision that considering the connectivity needs of racial or ethnic minorities constitutes an unconstitutional race-based classification.

The court also found that terminating the entire program was not warranted. The Administration committed to restarting the program, and we call on Administrator Roth to act quickly. There has been far too much delay, which has meant fewer digital navigators supporting seniors, fewer skills programs for veterans or returning citizens, fewer devices for low-income families, fewer opportunities, and more Americans left behind.

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.

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Kevin Taglang
Executive Editor, Communications-related Headlines
Benton Institute
for Broadband & Society
1041 Ridge Rd, Unit 214
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-220-4531
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Broadband Delivers Opportunities and Strengthens Communities