WASHINGTON (AP) — On Friday, a federal judge issued a significant ruling that largely halts ambitious executive orders from President Donald Trump aimed at ceasing government funding for initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Judge Adam Abelson, based in Baltimore, has granted a preliminary injunction preventing the administration from terminating or modifying federal contracts deemed related to equity. He determined that these executive orders likely violate constitutional rights, particularly those related to free speech.

In a controversial move, Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office, directing federal agencies to eliminate all “equity-related” grants and contracts. A subsequent order mandated that federal contractors verify they do not promote DEI initiatives.

The plaintiffs, including the city of Baltimore and various higher education organizations, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration earlier this month. They contend that the executive orders are unconstitutional and represent a significant overreach of presidential power, claiming that these directives have a detrimental impact on free speech.

The Trump administration maintains that the president’s focus was solely on DEI programs that infringe upon federal civil rights statutes.

Judge Abelson, appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, sided with the plaintiffs, acknowledging that the executive orders deter businesses, organizations, and public entities from fully endorsing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

He remarked, “The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order,” during a recent hearing.

While Abelson’s ruling permits the attorney general to investigate and compile a report on DEI practices, it prohibits any enforcement of the orders.