Second Judge Blocks Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze Expansion/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A second federal judge has extended an injunction preventing the Trump administration from halting billions in federal grants and loans. Judge John McConnell ruled that Trump’s funding freeze lacks constitutional authority, supporting lawsuits filed by Democratic-led states. Attorney generals from New York and Rhode Island slammed the freeze as illegal and destructive, saying it jeopardizes health care, law enforcement, and environmental programs.
Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze Blocked Again by Courts
Key Points at a Glance
- Federal judge extends block on Trump’s funding freeze.
- Court rules administration lacks authority to halt spending.
- States argue freeze affects law enforcement, healthcare, and climate programs.
- White House defends halt, citing alignment with Trump’s policy goals.
- Second judge in Washington also issued a similar ruling.
Second Judge Blocks Trump’s Funding Freeze, Calling It Unconstitutional
Court Expands Injunction on Federal Spending Halt
A second federal judge has ruled against President Donald Trump’s sweeping funding freeze, extending a block that prevents the administration from withholding billions in federal grants and loans.
Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction Thursday, siding with nearly two dozen Democratic-led states that challenged the legality of Trump’s spending pause.
In his ruling, McConnell argued that the executive branch overstepped its authority, saying the pause violated the constitutional balance of power between Congress and the White House.
“The Executive has not pointed to any constitutional or statutory authority that would allow them to impose this type of categorical freeze,” McConnell wrote. “The Court is simply holding that the Executive’s discretion to impose its own policy preferences on appropriated funds can be exercised only if authorized by Congress.”
McConnell’s ruling builds on an earlier decision by Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington, who issued a separate injunction blocking the same federal funding freeze after lawsuits from nonprofit groups and small businesses.
States Call Trump’s Freeze ‘Unlawful’ and ‘Destructive’
The ruling was praised by Democratic state officials, who accused Trump of overreach.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha compared Trump’s actions to monarchical rule, declaring:
“We don’t have kings in this country, and today’s preliminary injunction reaffirms that.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James added that the funding freeze put millions at risk, including law enforcement, childcare, and essential health programs.
“The Trump administration’s illegal funding freeze jeopardized law enforcement funding, essential health care, and other critical programs,” James said.
What’s at Stake? Billions in Funding for Essential Programs
The Trump administration’s halt on federal spending has impacted a broad range of government-funded initiatives, including:
- Law enforcement grants for local police departments.
- Health care subsidies for low-income families.
- Environmental programs, including solar power funding for underserved communities.
- Infrastructure and housing projects that rely on federal loans.
The lawsuit argues that many states, universities, and nonprofits are still waiting for funds they were already approved to receive.
Trump’s Justification: Aligning Spending With His Policy Goals
The White House defended the funding freeze, claiming the pause ensures all spending aligns with Trump’s priorities.
These priorities include:
- Expanding fossil fuel production.
- Rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
- Restricting protections for transgender individuals.
While the White House formally rescinded a memo outlining the freeze, states argue many federal agencies continue to withhold funds, creating uncertainty for vital programs.
What Happens Next?
With two federal judges now blocking the spending freeze, the Trump administration is expected to appeal. However, legal experts suggest that courts will likely uphold the injunction, as Congress—not the President—controls federal spending decisions.
For now, billions in federal aid remain in limbo, while states and local governments anxiously await further legal battles.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.