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Is planting trees 'DEI'? Trump administration cuts nationwide tree-planting effort

toggle caption Arbor Day Foundation

The Trump administration's efforts to end federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs has hit an unexpected target: In February, communities around the country learned that funding was canceled for a nationwide tree-planting program aimed at making neighborhoods cooler, healthier and more resilient to climate change.

The urban forestry initiative, administered by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, was supposed to distribute $75 million in grant funding to about 100 different cities, nonprofit organizations and tribes to plant shade trees in neighborhoods that need them the most. The program was funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which included big investments in climate initiatives.

In a letter terminating the contract, the U.S. Forest Service stated the program "no longer aligns with agency priorities regarding diversity, equity and inclusion." The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which houses the Forest Service, said in an emailed statement that the agency was complying with President Trump's executive orders.

The Arbor Day Foundation was surprised by the sudden cancelation, said Executive Director Dan Lambe.

"This was hugely disappointing," Lambe said. "It was an exciting opportunity for us to work with organizations and communities all across the country to plant trees in communities, to create jobs, to create economic