Injunction lifted on Trump executive orders slashing federal DEI support

A panel of three judges ruled the orders can be enforced during a pending lawsuit, reversing a nationwide injunction from U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore, the Associated Press reported.

The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by the City of Baltimore, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, which alleged the executive orders were presidential overreach and anti-free speech. 

They argued the president's power "is not limitless."

Trump's orders directed federal agencies to terminate all "equity-related" grants or contracts, and required federal contractors to certify that they don't promote DEI. 

"What's happening is an overcorrection and pulling back on DEI statements," attorney Aleshadye Getachew said in a hearing. 

The second complaint was filed by NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Lambda Legal on behalf of nonprofit advocacy organizations. 

White House spokesman Harrison Fields told the New York Times that "the radical leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda."

Fox News Digital's Brie Stimson, Danielle Wallace, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.