Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a coalition of 23 attorneys general, has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in the case NY v. Trump. This lawsuit challenges actions by President Donald Trump, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and federal agencies attempting to pause nearly $3 trillion in federal funding. The coalition seeks to halt the Trump administration’s efforts to impose a funding freeze, citing significant harm to states that depend on federal assistance for public safety, infrastructure projects, education, food security, clean air and water, and healthcare.
“Despite President Trump’s actions since taking office, Jan. 20 was an inauguration – not a coronation of a leader to whom our nation’s Constitution and the rule of law does not apply,” Raoul said. He emphasized Illinois' reliance on federal funding for various critical services and expressed concern over the uncertainty caused by these funding freezes.
The coalition is asking for more permanent relief through a preliminary injunction against the funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration as part of its review of federal spending priorities. A judge previously granted a temporary restraining order against this action, stating that neither the Constitution nor federal spending statutes grant such authority to the president.
The recent filing urges the court to solidify this relief, arguing that without it, the administration is likely to resume freezing funds. The lack of access to federal funds could lead many states into immediate financial difficulties affecting basic programs.
Additionally, the coalition has filed a motion to enforce the court's initial order against other federal agencies still restricting access to funds despite prior orders. These include funds appropriated by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). These acts are crucial for enhancing energy security, reducing costs, diversifying resources, modernizing infrastructure, creating jobs, and reducing pollution.
The coalition insists that these funds should be released promptly as per the court's initial order so states can utilize them for their residents' health and safety needs.
Joining Attorney General Raoul in this legal effort are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin