Appeals Court Vacates Injunction Blocking Trump's Orders to End DEI Programs

Federal appeals panel clears the way for directives to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across government and grant recipients.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A federal appeals court has vacated a lower court's preliminary injunction that had blocked President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government and among entities receiving federal grants. The appeals court's decision restores the administration's authority to implement the directives while the underlying legal challenges continue.

Why it matters

The appeals court ruling represents a major victory for the Trump administration in its efforts to roll back DEI initiatives that were expanded under the Biden presidency. The decision could have significant implications for the future of diversity programs in government agencies and organizations that rely on federal funding.

The details

In two executive orders issued early in his second term, President Trump directed federal agencies to eliminate DEI policies within government operations and to apply similar standards to entities receiving federal grants. The mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Maryland, along with three national associations, challenged the orders in court. A Biden-appointed U.S. district judge had previously entered a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the directives, but the appeals court has now vacated that injunction and remanded the case back to the district court.

  • On February 6, 2026, the federal appeals court issued its decision vacating the preliminary injunction.
  • In early 2025, President Trump issued the two executive orders targeting DEI programs.

The players

President Donald J. Trump

The former president who issued the executive orders to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the federal government and among grant recipients.

City of Baltimore, Maryland

The mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Maryland, were among the plaintiffs who challenged Trump's executive orders in court.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

The federal appeals court that vacated the lower court's preliminary injunction blocking Trump's orders.

U.S. District Court

The lower federal court that had previously issued the preliminary injunction against Trump's executive orders.

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What they’re saying

“The district court entered a preliminary injunction, but we stayed it pending appeal. We now vacate the district court's injunction and remand.”

— U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Appellate Court Ruling (Court Ruling)

What’s next

The case will now return to the U.S. District Court for further proceedings on the underlying legal challenges to Trump's executive orders.

The takeaway

This appeals court decision represents a significant setback for efforts to maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government and among organizations that receive federal funding. The ruling clears the way for the Trump administration to move forward with its plans to dismantle these initiatives, which could have far-reaching consequences for underrepresented communities and the promotion of equal opportunity.