Trump Administration Warns Maryland Against “DEI” Contracts in Key Bridge Rebuild

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration on Friday warned Maryland officials not to award contracts based on sex and race in the reconstruction of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“Any reliance on race- or sex-conscious factors in contracting decisions could introduce significant legal vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in the management of the project,” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a letter to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Friday.

The secretary criticized the project’s work plan, arguing that Moore has “prioritized race and gender-based requirements ahead of project completion.”

Democrats in the Maryland congressional delegation responded in a joint statement, noting the bridge project was approved by Congress.

“As we have with other major infrastructure disasters with nationwide implications, Congress came together on a bipartisan basis to provide the full resources necessary for reconstruction to ensure it can be rebuilt as quickly and efficiently as possible,” the lawmakers said.

“The federal government’s commitment to fund the rebuild is enacted into law, and the construction contract was awarded through a legal, competitive, transparent process,” they added.

Moore did not address Duffy’s comments about sex and race.

“We will continue to work with the Trump Administration to find ways to reduce costs and rebuild faster,” Gov. Moore said in a statement. “The safety of the bridge and the sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars remain our top priority as we work to fully restore economic vitality—not only to the Port of Baltimore and the State of Maryland, but for the people across the country.”

Along with concerns over hiring practices, Duffy also questioned the reconstruction project’s budget.

“DEI contracting practices and ballooning project costs are already threatening to delay this critical project,” Duffy said. “We will leverage our oversight authorities to ensure this vital bridge is rebuilt the right way.”

President Donald Trump last month said on social media he might have to “rethink” federal support for the Key Bridge. He called Baltimore “crime ridden” and “out of control” and has threatened to send federal troops into the city, as he has in Los Angeles, Washington and Memphis.

Trump’s warning about the bridge funds followed Moore’s invitation to Trump to visit Baltimore or “keep our name out of your mouth.”

The bridge collapsed in March 2024 after it was struck by a ship. The demolition of the bridge began in July. Following reconstruction, the bridge is slated to open in the fall of 2028.

By MARY BURKE, HOLLIDAY WOODARD and PETER RICCIO
Capital News Service