Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, along with a coalition of 22 other attorneys general, has secured a preliminary injunction in the case of New York v. Trump. This court order blocks the Trump Administration's policy to freeze billions of dollars in federal funding, which threatened essential state services such as public safety, healthcare, education, childcare, and transportation infrastructure.
Chief Judge John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted this injunction following a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Campbell and her coalition against the administration's funding freeze policy.
"Today’s order is a significant victory because both our residents and our economy rely on this federal funding to thrive," stated AG Campbell. "I will continue to fight to ensure that these essential federal services and resources remain despite these unlawful threats."
The administration's policy involved various actions including Executive Orders from Day 1 and a memorandum dated January 27 from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), withholding trillions in federal funds from states and entities like nonprofit organizations and community health centers. This caused chaos for millions relying on state programs funded federally.
Attorney General Campbell initially sued over this freeze on January 28, resulting in a temporary restraining order (TRO) being granted by the court on January 31 to block its implementation temporarily.
Subsequent motions were filed by Attorney General Campbell seeking enforcement against withheld funds and further injunctive relief. On February 8, the court ordered compliance with the TRO. A second motion was filed on February 28 targeting withheld FEMA grants.
Today's ruling halts the implementation of the administration’s policy while litigation continues. The court found that states showed a high likelihood of success in proving that the freeze violated several federal laws and would cause irreparable harm if not stopped.
The order mandates agencies be notified about releasing any frozen or withheld funds due to this policy. FEMA must provide evidence by March 14 confirming compliance with fund release requirements.
This lawsuit is led by AG Campbell alongside attorneys general from California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico North Carolina Oregon Vermont Washington Wisconsin District Columbia