The federal court has granted a motion to enforce an earlier injunction against the Trump administration. This decision mandates the administration to release held FEMA grants, which had been intended for disaster relief. Attorney General Peter F. Neronha of Rhode Island commented on the ruling, highlighting the importance of abiding by the law.
“With this order, we are confirming what we already know: the President is not above the law,” said Attorney General Neronha. He expressed concern over the impact of frozen FEMA funds on the health and safety of both Rhode Islanders and all Americans, stressing the legal and congressional basis for the funding. Neronha criticized the administration for flouting court orders and emphasized the court’s decisive stance on the issue. “Enough is enough, and the Court has made that crystal clear,” he stated, affirming the commitment of his office to ensure the equitable distribution of funds.
The court's order requires the administration to comply with the injunction by avoiding any delays or impediments in fund distribution. Additionally, the court demanded an end to the manual review process at FEMA, which had delayed funding disbursement indefinitely.
Rhode Island is spearheading this legal effort alongside attorneys general from New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. They are supported by attorneys general from several other states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Connecticut, among others.