Judge lifts injunction on Trump executive orders

On the campaign trail in 2024, Donald Trump made clear what his priorities would be if elected president again. Now, as he works to implement his agenda, legal challenges continue to arise. However, a recent court decision has provided Trump with a key victory in his efforts to reshape federal policy.

According to Fox News, an appeals court ruled on March 14 to lift an injunction that had previously blocked President Trump’s executive orders eliminating federal support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

The decision marks a significant win for those who argue that hiring and funding decisions should be based on qualifications rather than factors such as race or gender. It also allows Trump to move forward with a policy he promoted extensively during his campaign.

The Orders in Question

Early in his second term, President Trump reaffirmed his belief that DEI programs were inefficient and unnecessary. In response, he signed executive orders instructing federal agencies to defund DEI initiatives, eliminate grants and contracts related to DEI, and require federal contractors to stop promoting such programs.

Trump framed the move as an effort to cut wasteful spending and end what he described as discriminatory practices. His stance resonated with many voters who supported his broader vision for governance.

However, legal challenges quickly followed. U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore issued an injunction blocking the orders from taking effect, raising questions about their legality.

Appeals Court Lifts Injunction

On Friday, March 14, 2025, a three-judge panel from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed Abelson’s ruling, lifting the block on Trump’s executive orders. Notably, the panel included two judges appointed by former President Barack Obama and one appointed by Trump.

While the ruling does not immediately solidify Trump’s executive orders as law—since ongoing legal challenges remain—it allows the policies to take effect for now.

With this legal hurdle temporarily removed, Trump can continue implementing the agenda he campaigned on—one that voters decisively backed in the 2024 election.