The Trump administration secured a major win against wasteful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reinforcing the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) mission to cut $1 billion in federal spending.
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, a Biden appointee, rejected a coalition’s bid to force the National Science Foundation (NSF) to reinstate over $1 billion in terminated grants, affirming President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14151, signed on his first day in office.
Titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” the order redirected resources to prioritize American taxpayers’ interests, slashing 1,600 grants misaligned with national priorities. This ruling strengthens Trump’s agenda to streamline government, eliminate ideological programs, and restore fiscal responsibility for a stronger America.
Court Ruling and DOGE’s Impact
Judge Cobb’s 41-page opinion denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction, stating, “The court finds that it likely lacks jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ retrospective [Administrative Procedure Act] claims, so it must deny plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary relief as to those claims.”
She further noted that the coalition—comprising groups like the American Association of Physics Teachers, American Association of Colleges and Universities, Women in Engineering ProActive Network, American Educational Research Association, American Association of University Professors, and the United Auto Workers union—failed to demonstrate irreparable harm or a likelihood of success on constitutional claims. Cobb emphasized the NSF’s “unfettered discretion” to terminate grants inconsistent with its goals, affirming the agency’s authority to align with Trump’s cost-cutting directives.
The coalition, represented by Democracy Forward and the Norton Law Firm, argued that the terminations violated the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional rights, calling them “arbitrary and capricious.”
They claimed Trump’s actions usurped congressional authority, with a public statement asserting, “The Trump-Vance administration acted unlawfully when it terminated these crucial grants.” However, Cobb’s ruling upheld the NSF’s flexibility under federal regulations, dismissing the plaintiffs’ demands to restore funding for DEI-focused programs. The NSF’s shift in priorities, announced post-executive order, reflects Trump’s commitment to rooting out programs that prioritize ideology over practical outcomes for Americans.
Trump’s America-First Vision
Executive Order 14151, enacted on January 20, targeted what Trump called “radical and wasteful” DEI initiatives, redirecting federal resources to initiatives that serve all Americans, not select groups. The DOGE, led by figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, identified the NSF’s $1 billion in grants—many tied to DEI efforts—as misaligned with national interests, such as economic growth and scientific advancement free of ideological bias.
This victory builds on Trump’s broader campaign to eliminate DEI across federal agencies, following similar cuts to $783 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, upheld by a 5-4 Supreme Court decision on August 21. Those cuts targeted research on race, gender identity, and other DEI-related topics, prioritizing instead critical health issues like Alzheimer’s and heart disease without divisive frameworks.
The plaintiffs, backed by liberal lawyer Marc Elias, vowed to continue their legal fight, claiming the cuts harm scientific progress. Yet, Trump supporters argue these grants often funded redundant or ideologically driven projects, diverting resources from pressing national needs.
The administration’s actions, backed by Cobb’s ruling, demonstrate a commitment to fiscal discipline and merit-based priorities, ensuring taxpayer dollars support tangible benefits for the nation. The NSF’s silence when contacted by The Daily Signal suggests confidence in the legal outcome, aligning with Trump’s push for a leaner, more effective government.
Implications for American Governance
This ruling marks a pivotal step in Trump’s second-term agenda to dismantle bureaucratic inefficiencies and restore America’s focus on unity and productivity. By empowering DOGE to cut wasteful spending, Trump reinforces his promise to prioritize American workers, families, and communities over special-interest programs. The decision counters Democratic resistance, exemplified by Schumer’s earlier obstruction of Trump’s nominees, and aligns with Republican efforts to streamline Senate confirmations via the nuclear option on September 11.
Together, these moves ensure Trump’s appointees can implement policies that protect national interests, from border security to economic revitalization. As litigation continues, Trump’s administration remains steadfast in defending an America-first approach that puts citizens above partisan agendas.
