Attorney General Aaron M. Frey, along with a coalition of 22 other attorneys general, has secured a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration's policy to freeze federal funds. The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, under Judge John J. McConnell, granted this injunction following a lawsuit initiated by Attorney General Frey and his colleagues.
The court's decision comes in response to actions taken by the Trump administration, including a memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget dated January 27, which aimed to withhold federal funds allocated for various state programs and entities such as nonprofit organizations and community health centers. This policy had caused significant disruption and uncertainty for many Americans dependent on these funds.
Attorney General Frey expressed his belief that "it was unlawful for the Trump Administration to freeze certain Congressionally-appropriated funds that flow to Maine," emphasizing that the court order will ensure continued funding while legal proceedings continue.
The coalition initially filed their lawsuit on January 28, resulting in a temporary restraining order on January 31. Further motions were filed in February to enforce compliance and prevent additional fund freezes affecting Federal Emergency Management Agency grants.
Today's ruling requires the Trump administration to provide evidence of compliance regarding FEMA funds by March 14 and mandates notification of all agencies about the court's decision.
This legal action is led by attorneys general from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Additional states involved include 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.