A federal judge has issued an order preventing the Trump administration from halting trillions of dollars in federal funds to states, citing "catastrophic consequences" for vulnerable populations. The ruling was made in response to a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 23 states, including Washington Attorney General Nick Brown.
Judge John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted a preliminary injunction, stating that the states are likely to succeed in their claims that the funding freeze is unlawful. He emphasized that the president cannot act above Congress.
"This is an important victory," said Brown. "The judge made clear this was a ham-handed, arbitrary, capricious, and fact-free attempt to circumvent the U.S. Constitution."
The administration's justification for the freeze was based on unspecified allegations of widespread fraud, which the judge found unconvincing. He noted that there was no rational basis for such a decision when it threatens essential state services like public safety and healthcare.
States provided numerous examples of how residents were affected by the sudden cut-off of federal funds. The Trump administration failed to present any evidence or counterarguments against these claims.
The funding freeze policy originated from various actions, including a January 27 memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget, which illegally withheld funds crucial for state programs and community-based organizations.
The court has also mandated that the administration demonstrate compliance with unfreezing Federal Emergency Management Agency funds by March 14 and inform all agencies about this court order.
Leading this legal action are attorneys general from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. They are joined by counterparts from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin as well as the District of Columbia.
Washington’s Attorney General serves as legal representation for every state agency in Washington and enforces laws related to consumer protection and civil rights among others.