Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to Trump’s Orders Curbing DEI

Higher education groups and Baltimore officials had argued the executive orders exceeded presidential powers.

University of Michigan students walk on campus next to signage displaying the university's values in Ann Arbor, Mich., on April 3, 2025. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

A federal appeals court on Feb. 6 turned away a challenge to President Donald Trump’s executive orders ending so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit overturned a preliminary injunction issued in February 2025 by Judge Adam Abelson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland that partly blocked the executive orders.