Judge Thaws Federal Funding Freeze, Accuses Trump of Elevating Himself ‘Above Congress’

A federal judge has issued an indefinite injunction against the Trump administration’s enforcement of a wide-ranging spending freeze detailed in a January memo from the White House’s budget office. U.S. District Judge John McConnell, appointed by Barack Obama, ruled in favor of 23 states that contested the funding directive, emphasizing its threat to constitutional principles including separation of powers and oversight.

Judge McConnell’s 45-page order highlighted that the administration’s freeze could undermine the distinct roles of each government branch. “The executive’s categorical freeze of appropriated and obligated funds fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government,” he stated.

This ruling expands upon a temporary block McConnell issued earlier in January, which suggested the funding freeze was likely unconstitutional and harmful to organizations reliant on federal support. The judge noted that the Trump administration failed to provide justification for bypassing Congress through this drastic funding freeze.

“Here, the executive put itself above Congress,” McConnell remarked, pointing out that the administration had not demonstrated any legal authority for such a sweeping action. His ruling referenced the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which restricts a president’s ability to withhold federal funds and requires notification to Congress regarding any deferrals.

In support of the 23 states, Judge McConnell recognized the extensive damage the freeze would inflict, affirming their standing to challenge the action. He stated that the states presented numerous unchallenged declarations detailing the unpredictability and impacts of the freeze on their operations and services to residents.

McConnell’s ruling marks the second federal injunction against the funding freeze. Last month, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, appointed by Joe Biden, also blocked the freeze in a separate case in Washington, D.C.

The spending freeze directive, made public in a January 27 memo, called for a “temporary pause” on federal financial assistance, influencing a wide array of programs from foreign aid to those related to diversity and climate initiatives. This memo sparked nationwide alarm about the potential loss of funding.

In response to the directive, a coalition of 23 state attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, swiftly filed a lawsuit, arguing that the Trump administration’s actions jeopardized essential benefits for residents, including healthcare and disaster relief aid. Following McConnell’s ruling, James expressed her determination to protect vital funding for New Yorkers.

While the funding freeze has been halted in two federal courts, numerous organizations and state entities report ongoing issues accessing federal funds. These developments underscore the Trump administration’s contentious efforts to significantly reduce federal funding amidst mounting legal challenges.