In an April 24 letter, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned DOT funding recipients against engaging in diversity, equity and inclusion practices, which he said violate federal law. Duffy also told grantees that they must cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal officials or face “enforcement actions.” The DOT may audit grantees and take back funding used for unpermitted activities, according to the letter. Duffy urged transportation agencies to contact a DOT representative proactively to ensure they are in compliance. Since assuming office, Duffy has authorized a series of actions to advance Trump’s directive to “rescind woke policies” and slash regulations, while vowing to give grant preference to regions with higher-than-average birth rates. Last month, the DOT rolled back a Biden-era policy that included environmental and social considerations for projects it funds. In an April 2 hearing, Duffy defended the Trump administration’s freeze on already-approved projects so agencies can review them for mentions of climate change, environmental justice or equity. He did not say whether grant awards that are not yet finalized could be rescinded, but promised to enact the will of Congress when it comes to funding infrastructure: “I’m not going to hold up any projects.”
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