Why a white American farmer is suing the Trump administration for racial discrimination

The lawsuit, filed on Monday by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, argues that the USDA is violating the Constitution by offering different levels of financial support based on race and gender.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: June 17, 2025 08:43 AM IST

3 min read

The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, Faust’s attorneys, Wisconsin dairy farmer Adam Faust, who is suing the Trump administration alleging discrimination against white farmers like him, poses inside his dairy barn in Chilton, Wisconsin. (AP)

An American dairy farmer alleged in a lawsuit filed Monday that the Trump administration is illegally denying financial assistance to white farmers by continuing programs that favour minorities.

The lawsuit, filed by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, argues that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is violating the Constitution by offering different levels of financial support based on race and gender. The case was filed on behalf of Adam Faust, a dairy farmer who previously challenged similar programmes during Joe Biden’s term.

In 2021, Faust was part of a successful lawsuit that blocked a loan forgiveness plan designed for “socially disadvantaged farmers.” A judge had ruled that the race-based eligibility in that programme was unconstitutional. The programme was later suspended and repealed by Congress in 2022.

‘I hope my lawsuit brings answers’

In a written statement shared by the Wisconsin Institute and quoted by AP, Faust said, “The USDA should honour the President’s promise to the American people to end racial discrimination in the federal government. After being ignored by a federal agency that’s meant to support agriculture, I hope my lawsuit brings answers, accountability, and results from USDA.”

The lawsuit alleges that three current USDA programmes treat farmers differently than others. Faust claims he is being charged a $100 fee in a dairy support scheme that minority and female farmers do not have to pay.

Another programme guarantees up to 95 per cent of loan values for women and racial minorities, but only 90 per cent for white farmers. Faust says this makes it harder for him to secure loans. In a third example, Faust is building a manure storage system that could be partly funded through an environmental scheme. However, the lawsuit argues that only 75 per cent of his costs are covered, while up to 90 per cent can be reimbursed for minority farmers.

In April, the Wisconsin Institute warned the USDA in a letter that legal action would follow unless it changed the programmes. Six Republican members of Congress from Wisconsin also called for an investigation.

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The law firm, which has brought similar lawsuits in 25 states, said it preferred not to go to court but added, “there is no excuse for this continued discrimination,” according to AP.

Trump administration has not yet commented on the case. A spokesperson, Anna Kelly, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday, AP reported.

Trump has promised to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies from the federal government as part of a broader shift towards merit-based programmes.

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