Attorney General Kathy Jennings has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action aims to block an order that would withhold trillions of dollars in federal funding relied upon by every state for essential services.
"This order was callous, craven, and careless," stated Attorney General Jennings. "The White House is toying with people’s lives and livelihoods — including millions of Americans who voted for Donald Trump. We’re not going to stand by and wait to see what kind of havoc the President wants to wreak. We’re suing. See you in court."
The policy, introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), calls for an indefinite pause on most federal assistance to states. This could immediately threaten state programs offering critical health and childcare services, public school support, efforts against hate crimes and violence against women, as well as disaster relief.
A notice from OMB issued late last night instructed all federal agencies to pause the majority of federal assistance funding starting at 5:00 pm on January 28. According to AG Jennings and her coalition, this directive has already caused chaos and uncertainty among Americans dependent on these funds for various state programs. Essential community health centers, addiction treatment programs, services for people with disabilities, and other crucial health services are reportedly at risk.
AG Jennings further argues that withholding these funds endangers Americans by depriving law enforcement of necessary resources. The policy would halt support for U.S. Department of Justice initiatives aimed at combating hate crimes and violence against women, supporting community policing, and aiding crime victims.
Despite attempts by the administration to clarify the scope of the OMB policy, states have reported frozen funds affecting services like Medicaid nationwide. In their lawsuit, Jennings and her colleagues contend that OMB's policy violates both the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by stopping spending without considering laws governing each source of funding. They argue that such actions unconstitutionally override Congress's authority over federal expenditures.
Joining AG Jennings in this lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.