22 States Urge Court to Enforce Block on Trump Administration’s Funding Freeze

Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and Washington, D.C., have asked a federal judge to enforce his order blocking the Trump administration from freezing billions in federal grants and loans. Their emergency motion follows claims that the administration is not fully complying with the court’s ruling.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell, an Obama appointee, had issued a temporary restraining order on January 31, halting the funding freeze. However, the states argue that crucial funds remain unavailable, including $4.5 billion for home electrification rebates, $7 billion for rooftop solar panels, $5 billion for greenhouse gas reduction, and $117.5 million for air quality monitoring.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) initially announced the freeze but later rescinded the memo after the lawsuit was filed. Despite this, the administration contends that McConnell’s order does not apply to certain infrastructure and environmental funds frozen by a separate OMB directive.

The judge, who expressed his willingness to enforce his ruling during a hearing, has given the administration until Sunday to respond. The White House has yet to comment.

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between state governments and the Trump administration over federal funding. The states argue that billions remain stalled due to "operational and administrative reasons," prolonging delays in critical environmental and infrastructure projects.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could impact future federal funding decisions and the authority of states to challenge presidential directives.