A federal appeals court has lifted a block on two executive orders issued by President Donald Trump that aim to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and businesses with government contracts. The decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, reverses a February ruling by U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Maryland, who had found the orders likely unconstitutional and issued a nationwide injunction. The three-judge panel, including two judges appointed by Democratic presidents, unanimously agreed to stay the injunction, allowing the Trump administration to enforce the orders while the legal challenge continues. The orders in question direct federal agencies to terminate all DEI-related programs and require federal contractors to certify they do not operate such programs. Two of the judges expressed concerns about potential First Amendment issues with the orders but criticized the broad scope of the lower court's injunction. They emphasized that the orders do not ban all DEI efforts but target specific actions that may violate federal anti-discrimination laws.