$37B Disadvantaged Business Program May End Under Trump Administration

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, a significant $37 billion initiative established over 40 years ago to assist underrepresented business owners like women and people of color, faces imminent termination due to a proposed settlement from the Trump administration with the Department of Transportation (DOT).In a 2023 lawsuit, President Trump's Justice Department aligned with two Indiana firms arguing the DBE program constitutes “discrimination.” This action exemplifies Trump's broader campaign against beneficial policies for marginalized groups in various sectors.Mid-America Milling and Bagshaw Trucking view the DBE as an antiquated form of affirmative action, claiming its “goals” serve as discriminatory barriers. They pressured the DOT to abolish it, citing violations of the constitutional right to equal treatment.Despite challenges, progressive legal advocates continue to contest this potential dismantling of the program.