California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken legal action, leading a group of 23 attorneys general in filing a motion to enforce and a preliminary injunction against the Trump Administration. The legal proceedings are part of the ongoing lawsuit, NY v. Trump, challenging actions by former President Trump, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other federal agencies that aim to halt nearly $3 trillion in federal funding allocated to states.
The coalition argues that the Trump Administration's decision to freeze funding poses significant threats to public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects across various states. These funds come from crucial legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA). Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of Congress's power over budgetary matters: "Let’s be crystal clear: the power of the purse belongs to Congress, not the President."
According to Attorney General Bonta, more than $100 billion in Medicaid funding for California is at risk due to this freeze. This is alongside tens of billions earmarked for infrastructure and climate initiatives under the IRA and IIJA. The withheld funds threaten essential programs like California’s Medicaid services which cater to approximately 14.5 million residents.
Several state-led programs have already felt disruptions due to these actions. Among them are energy rebate programs meant for low- and moderate-income households funded by IRA grants. Thousands of Californian homeowners awaiting rebates have faced additional costs because their applications remain on hold pending agency reviews.
Other affected initiatives include the Solar for All program aimed at expanding solar energy access in disadvantaged communities and several environmental grant programs intended for pollution reduction efforts across multiple states.
Attorney General Bonta highlighted ongoing violations despite a Temporary Restraining Order secured earlier: "In yet another unlawful move...the Trump Administration has continued to block funds needed for our domestic energy security, transportation, and infrastructure provided under the IRA and IIJA." The coalition seeks immediate enforcement of court orders mandating fund release.
The motion involves attorneys general from New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina New Jersey New Mexico Oregon Vermont Washington Wisconsin who joined forces with California in pursuing this legal challenge.