Attorney General Dan Rayfield, along with a coalition of 22 other attorneys general, has successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration. The court order blocks a policy that aimed to freeze funding for federal agency grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs. This decision was made by Judge John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
Rayfield expressed his stance on the ruling: “The court’s ruling today amplifies what we have been saying: the president does not have unilateral power to simply disregard Congress’s decisions or dismantle essential parts of our government.” He highlighted the adverse effects in Oregon, noting that schools, medical institutions, public safety, and infrastructure were all at risk due to the funding cuts.
The contested policy had withheld trillions in federal funds from states and entities such as nonprofit organizations and community health centers. This led to immediate disruptions affecting millions across the country.
The legal challenge began when Attorney General Rayfield and his coalition filed a lawsuit against the administration on January 28. A temporary restraining order (TRO) was granted by the court on January 31. Despite this, further motions for enforcement were necessary as it was found that compliance with the TRO was lacking. The coalition had to file another motion on February 28 to prevent further freezing of funds intended for FEMA.
Judge McConnell emphasized in his order the significance of maintaining balance among government branches: “We begin by restating the American government principles learned during critical civics education lessons in our youth... They constructed three co-equal branches of government, each tasked with their own unique duties...”
The court also mandated that evidence be provided by March 14 regarding compliance with unfreezing FEMA funds and required notification to all agencies about this order.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington Wisconsin and District Columbia joined Rayfield in this legal action.