A ruling has reinstated federal grants halted due to ‘DEI’ bias. The decision, made by US District Judge Colleen McMahon, deemed the Department of Government Efficiency’s cancellation of over $100 million in grants as unconstitutional. This action was part of a process that involved using ChatGPT to assess connections to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The lawsuit, initiated by humanities groups in 2025, highlighted that DOGE disqualified grants based on protected characteristics such as race, national origin, religion, and sexuality. In particular, Justin Fox, a DOGE staffer, utilized ChatGPT to identify grants linked to DEI and “Detection Codes” related to other protected traits. The ruling criticized DOGE for labeling grants focused on minorities and significant historical events as “wasteful” and violating the NEH’s mission. Judge McMahon’s decision refuted the government’s claim that ChatGPT’s involvement absolved them of responsibility. Ultimately, McMahon determined that the eliminations breached the First and Fifth Amendments and exceeded DOGE’s authority, ordering the restoration of the grants.
Court Finds Use of ChatGPT by DOGE to be Both Unlawful and Misguided
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