The Trump administration is threatening to block $1.86 billion in federal broadband grants to California in response to the state’s push to make internet more affordable for low-income residents. California’s proposed law would require major ISPs to offer 100/20 Mbps service at $15 a month to qualifying families—costing companies less than 1% of their revenue but saving residents an estimated $100 million yearly. Despite this, telecom lobbyists have already weakened the bill's impact.

At the same time, Republicans are shifting infrastructure funds toward Elon Musk’s costly Starlink satellite network and dismantling key consumer protections, including net neutrality, privacy rules, and affordable broadband programs across the U.S.