Attorney General Kathy Jennings has joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general to enforce a temporary restraining order (TRO) against President Trump, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and federal agencies. The action aims to address the pause on nearly $3 trillion in federal funds designated for critical programs and services.
“These funds are not monopoly money, and this is not a game. Each and every one of these dollars represent promises that the United States made to Americans. Real people are suffering, and will continue to suffer incredible damages from the disruption of these vital funds. Rather than arbitrary numbers on a bottom line, it is public safety, healthcare, preschool, health research, housing and infrastructure that is on the chopping block. This is reckless, callous, and an incredible insult to the American people, including the millions who voted for President Trump.”
The coalition cites ongoing disruptions affecting disbursements to Delaware and other states as well as federal funds blocked under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). They seek enforcement of the TRO to compel the Trump Administration to release these funds.
The states' filing emphasizes potential harm if IRA and IIJA funds are not allocated as required by law. Without access to federal financial assistance, many states could face immediate cash shortfalls impacting basic programs like healthcare funding.
Despite a court's TRO, disruptions continue affecting clean energy investments, transportation infrastructure, and critical healthcare efforts. For instance, after OMB rescinded the freeze following a court-imposed TRO on February 4th, Delaware's Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control received an email from the U.S. Department of Energy about ceasing federal funding. As of February 5th, Delaware's Department of Health & Social Services still couldn't access grant funds for lead paint poisoning prevention in children under six.
Amid evidence that funding blocks persist under specific categories by the Trump Administration, attorneys general filed a motion for enforcement ensuring swift disbursement so states can safeguard residents' health and safety.
Joining Attorney General Jennings are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan Minnesota New York Nevada North Carolina New Jersey New Mexico Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin.