Trump blocked from defunding groups that help human trafficking victims
Source: Courthouse News Service
March 24, 2026
(CN) — The Trump administration’s orders barring references to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) could force a national advocate for victims of human trafficking to forfeit federal grants and close its doors, violating the group’s First Amendment rights, a federal judge in Chicago said in an order enjoining enforcement of the orders.
Washington, D.C.-based Freedom Network USA says it will have to close its doors this year if it loses federal funding due to its use of language in its programs and grant applications that is forbidden by President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at ending “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”
Freedom Network USA sued the Trump administration in October 2025 challenging the administration’s executive orders and funding conditions, which it claims violates its First Amendment rights against viewpoint discrimination. And it says the administration’s regulation of congressionally funded programs violates the separation of powers doctrine.
U.S. District judge Matthew Kennelly agreed. He issued a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the executive orders and regulations that affect all recipients of federal funding for services for victims of human trafficking.
Read more: https://courthousenews.com/trump-blocked-from-defunding-groups-that-help-human-trafficking-victims/
Link to original SUIT (PDF) - https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/freedom-network-usdc-illinois-complaint-v-trump-on-dei-orders.pdf
Link to ORDER (PDF) - https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/usdc-no-illinois-district-ruling-in-freedom-network-v-trump.pdf
REFERENCE - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143541549
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