Fact Check: Wisconsin Dairy Farmer Adam Faust's Lawsuit Against the USDA
What We Know
On December 4, 2023, Wisconsin dairy farmer Adam Faust filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), claiming that the Trump administration is unlawfully denying financial assistance to white farmers. The lawsuit was filed by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) on behalf of Faust, who alleges that he and other white farmers are being discriminated against due to programs favoring minority farmers (AP News, ABC News).
Faust's lawsuit specifically targets several USDA programs that he argues disadvantage white male farmers. For instance, he claims that while he is charged a $100 administrative fee for the Dairy Margin Coverage Program, minority and female farmers do not incur this fee. Additionally, Faust points out that loan guarantees are set at 90% for white farmers but at 95% for women and racial minorities (AP News, DNR Online). This lawsuit follows Faust's previous legal victory in 2021, where he successfully challenged the Biden administration's Farmer Loan Forgiveness Program, which was found to be discriminatory against white farmers (The Federalist).
Analysis
The claim that Adam Faust has filed a lawsuit against the USDA is corroborated by multiple sources, including news articles from reputable outlets such as the Associated Press and ABC News. These sources confirm that the lawsuit alleges ongoing discrimination against white farmers under programs initiated during the Biden administration, which Faust argues violate the Constitution's guarantee of equal treatment (AP News, ABC News).
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, which is representing Faust, has a history of engaging in civil rights litigation, particularly against what they describe as discriminatory policies in government programs (The Federalist). The credibility of this organization is generally considered reliable within conservative circles, although it may exhibit bias in favor of conservative viewpoints.
Critically, the lawsuit's context is rooted in a broader political and social debate regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The claims made by Faust and his legal team reflect a significant contention in U.S. agricultural policy, where some argue that DEI programs unfairly disadvantage white farmers. However, the effectiveness and fairness of such programs are subjects of ongoing legal and social scrutiny (DNR Online, AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that Wisconsin dairy farmer Adam Faust filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture on December 4, 2023, alleging discrimination against white farmers is True. The evidence from multiple reliable news sources confirms the filing of the lawsuit and the specific allegations made by Faust regarding discriminatory practices in USDA programs.
Sources
- Exclusive: Lawmakers Call On USDA To End Biden Era Discriminatory Policies Against White Farmers
- Wisconsin dairy farmer sues Trump administration over alleged discrimination against white farmers
- Wisconsin farmer sues Trump admin. claiming discrimination against white farmers
- Wisconsin dairy farmer sues Trump administration claiming discrimination against white farmers
- WILL threatens USDA lawsuit over race-based programs
