Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in a lawsuit against the Trump administration's recent policy to withhold federal funding. The policy, announced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), halts significant federal assistance to states, affecting essential services like health care, education, law enforcement, and disaster relief.
Ellison emphasized the potential harm to Minnesotans: "My mission is to help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect, and this illegal order from President Trump is a threat to the well-being of Minnesotans everywhere." He expressed concern that core government services would be undermined and stressed that Congress's authority over federal funds should not be overridden by presidential orders.
The OMB directive requires all federal agencies to pause most funding starting January 28. This has already led to uncertainty for programs dependent on these funds. The coalition argues that the policy endangers public safety by cutting resources for law enforcement initiatives such as combating hate crimes and supporting victims of violence.
States like California and North Carolina face additional challenges as essential disaster relief funds are frozen. The lawsuit contends that the OMB policy violates constitutional principles and bypasses established laws governing federal spending.
The legal action is spearheaded by attorneys general from New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Additional participants include attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.