Washington state has joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a freeze on federal financial assistance. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island, includes 21 other states and targets a directive from the Office of Management and Budget to pause funding programs. These programs encompass childcare, special education grants, highway planning, energy cost rebates, substance abuse treatment, and veterans' nursing care.
The White House claims the pause is to ensure funds align with "Administration priorities." However, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown criticized this move as harmful: “The White House justifies this damaging move with culture war alarmism, but in reality they’re robbing governments and service providers of funds that keep people safe and serve urgent needs in all of our communities.” He warned of risks to jobs and services for veterans, health care for children, and crime victim support.
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed concern over potential budget impacts: “Presidents have significant powers and elections have consequences,” he said. “However, President Trump’s refusal or inability to advance his priorities in a lawful and constitutional manner is creating needless and cruel chaos.”
The lawsuit argues that the administration lacks legal authority for this action. It seeks to prevent enforcement of the memo and requests a judicial declaration deeming it unlawful.
This legal challenge is led by attorneys general from New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Other states involved include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont Wisconsin as well as the District of Columbia.