A federal lawsuit filed by a Wisconsin dairy farmer accuses the Trump administration of unfairly favoring minorities over white farmers by maintaining programs that provide financial assistance based on race. The lawsuit, brought by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of farmer Adam Faust, challenges the USDA’s diversity initiatives implemented under the Biden administration. Faust, who previously succeeded in a discrimination lawsuit against the Biden administration, claims that programs such as the Farmer Loan Forgiveness Plan disadvantage white male farmers like himself by charging higher administrative fees and offering lower loan guarantees compared to minorities and women.

The lawsuit targets specific USDA programs that allegedly discriminate based on race and sex, arguing that they violate the constitutional principle of equal treatment. Faust’s participation in programs aimed at supporting dairy farming reveals disparities in benefits granted to different groups, such as reimbursement rates for environmental conservation efforts. Notably, a federal court judge previously ruled against race-based loan forgiveness, prompting the Biden administration to suspend the program in 2021.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, known for its opposition to DEI initiatives, has initiated numerous lawsuits across the country challenging similar programs. The lawsuit underscores a broader political debate surrounding diversity and merit-based policies, with the Trump administration advocating for a shift away from diversity promotion towards a merit-centric approach. Faust’s legal action seeks to hold the USDA accountable for discriminatory practices and uphold the principle of equality in federal agricultural programs.