Democratic AGs Accuse Trump Administration of Thwarting Federal Funds Amid Court Ruling

WASHINGTON — In a bold legal move, Democratic attorneys general from across the nation have petitioned a federal judge to enforce a temporary restraining order issued last month against the Trump administration. They contend that the administration is failing to comply with the court’s directives regarding federal funding.

Senator Patty Murray, a leading figure on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, has voiced concern over the ongoing suspension of critical grants and loans, further complicating an already tense situation.

In an emergency motion, the attorneys general described a “kaleidoscope” of federal financial assistance that has seen funds suspended, deleted, or otherwise disrupted since the judge’s order was made public. They urged Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to compel the Trump administration to immediately restore funding and halt the funding freeze until a preliminary injunction motion is addressed.

Given until Sunday to respond, the Department of Justice faces mounting scrutiny over its management of these funds. The attorneys general detailed in their 21-page motion that various federal funds remain unfunded despite the court’s order. They indicated that Congress-approved funding under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act remains undistributed, highlighting significant implications for community projects.

The National Institutes of Health has reportedly canceled an advisory committee review meeting linked to a $71 million dementia care research grant, citing a halt on all federal advisory committee meetings. Additionally, several Head Start programs in Michigan and Vermont were unable to access vital funds as of February 5.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alongside the Health Resources and Services Administration, issued renewed stop-work orders affecting a University of Washington program dedicated to global HIV prevention. Such setbacks underscore the implications of the Trump administration’s funding freeze.

Amidst these challenges, the White House and the Office of Management and Budget had previously issued conflicting communications regarding the funding freeze. A memo released in late January indicated the freeze would commence, causing confusion among grant recipients and lawmakers alike. An administrative stay issued shortly before the freeze was slated to begin temporarily halted the process, complicating the administration’s efforts to convey a clear message.

Senator Murray captured the gravity of the situation in her statement, asserting that local economies face significant risk due to the uncertainty surrounding funding. “This uncertainty is threatening jobs, jeopardizing contracts, and jeopardizing local economies,” she stated, advocating for proper legislative processes over unilateral actions.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of the Trump administration’s actions on grant and loan programs continue to worry stakeholders across various sectors.

Last updated 4:20 p.m., Feb. 7, 2025