USDA Terminates $150 Million in Grants Labeled as 'DEI Propaganda'

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated over 145 grants totaling nearly $150 million, citing their focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as propaganda. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the move, stating it aligns with the administration's commitment to prioritize American farmers and eliminate wasteful spending. Among the terminated grants were programs aimed at helping disadvantaged farmers with conservation practices, as well as initiatives to plant trees in underserved urban neighborhoods, often in low-income areas with higher populations of Black and other minority residents. Rollins emphasized that these programs diverted resources from farmers, marking a shift away from DEI-focused initiatives. The USDA stated the cancellations aim to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse while realigning priorities. Rollins highlighted the administration's dedication to fiscal stewardship under President Trump's leadership, signaling a broader opposition to DEI initiatives within federal programs. This decision reflects a concerted effort to redirect federal resources towards agricultural priorities, emphasizing support for farmers over what the administration deems as ideologically driven programs.

Published: 6/18/2025