A new legal setback has emerged for the far-right president of the United States.
A federal judge has issued a 48-hour suspension of a controversial directive seeking to freeze federal funding allocated to various public programs. This initiative, communicated through an official memo, has sparked serious concerns among nonprofit organizations and small businesses that rely on these grants.
US District Judge Loren AliKhan, presiding over a federal court in Washington, issued the temporary restraining order following a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.
This ruling is intended to halt the immediate enforcement of the funding freeze while legal proceedings continue.
The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of nonprofit organizations and small businesses, which argued that the interruption of grant funding would have dire consequences for hundreds of thousands of recipients. Essential services, such as medical care, support for LGBTQ+ communities, and assistance to small businesses, were identified as being at risk.
According to court documents, the funding suspension could also undermine programs supporting survivors of domestic violence, homeless individuals, and veterans, as well as initiatives for suicide prevention and assistance to low-income families, The Independent reports.
The controversy revolves around a memo signed by Matthew Vaeth, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The directive mandates federal agencies to “temporarily pause” the disbursement of funds for various programs. These include international aid, diversity and equity initiatives, environmental policies like the Green New Deal, and policies related to gender identity.
The measure has caused widespread confusion and fear among recipients of federal aid. Many organizations have voiced concerns about its immediate impact on critical infrastructure, emergency relief efforts, childcare services, and support for vulnerable communities.
In response, the White House issued a formal statement to Congress clarifying the order. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the temporary suspension aims to ensure that federal funds align with the president’s political priorities.
Opponents of the measure, including several Democratic lawmakers, have strongly condemned the Trump administration’s actions. They argue that the funding freeze violates federal laws prohibiting the executive branch from withholding funds already approved by Congress.
New York Attorney General Letitia James described the directive as “unconstitutional and arbitrary.” During a press conference, she criticized the administration for “trampling on the Constitution and ignoring Congress’s authority.” She emphasized the risks the policy poses to essential services for vulnerable populations.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also denounced the initiative, calling it “a national-scale heist.” Speaking at an event in Washington, he warned of devastating consequences for local governments, from schools to police departments. “The Trump administration is robbing the middle class to benefit the ultra-wealthy,” he stated.
In addition to the temporary suspension, a new lawsuit is expected to be filed soon by Attorney General James, supported by 22 other state attorneys general. This legal action seeks an immediate halt to the president’s order, which could jeopardize billions of dollars in critical funding.
The final judicial decision could have far-reaching implications, not only for federal grant recipients but also for defining the limits of executive power in relation to Congress’s legislative authority.
(Source: The Independent)