The Digital Equity Act: What It Is and Why We Need It

On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Trump Administration began notifying states that their Digital Equity Act Capacity Grant funds were terminated. The day prior, President Donald Trump shared via Truth Social that he and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are determined to bring an end to the Digital Equity Act and its “unconstitutional” and “illegal” programs. In 2021, Congress included the Digital Equity Act in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to give U.S. states, territories, and Tribal entities the tools they need to help people get online and use the internet. These governments have completed their plans and, until May 9th, were preparing to implement programs to improve digital literacy, access to affordable internet-connected devices, provide technical support, and increase awareness of privacy and cybersecurity. The digital divide is multifaceted. Some 24 million people in the U.S. lack high-speed internet service in their homes, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Many households can’t afford service when it is available. And many millions have not adopted broadband because they lack the skills and/or devices to do so. The Digital Equity Act primarily aims to address these issues around broadband adoption.