Summary

Senate Democrats accused the Trump administration of stalling $42 billion in broadband grants and redirecting funds toward Elon Musk’s Starlink by overturning Biden-era rules favoring fiber networks.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s “tech-neutral” policy prioritizes cost over quality, potentially sidelining more reliable fiber infrastructure.

A May 30 letter warned delays could push projects back two years.

Trump also scrapped a separate $2.75 billion Digital Equity program, calling it “racist and illegal.” Critics say the moves undermine broadband expansion in rural and underserved communities.