A US judge has temporarily blocked US President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal aid. The case is set for hearing on February 3. On Monday, the Trump administration froze all federal grants and loans. This move affected up to $3 trillion, impacting crucial programs such as funding for schools, community health centers, and food for low-income families.
Legal Action Against the Freeze
In response, Judge Loren AliKhan of the District of Columbia addressed a lawsuit filed by the non-profit group Democracy Forward. The lawsuit argued that the freeze violated the First Amendment and the Amendment Procedure Act, which limits the executive branch’s power to issue such orders.
White House Response
Although the White House downplayed the situation, claiming the freeze didn’t apply to all programs, the order was extensive. It required federal agencies to pause all activities related to federal financial assistance, causing widespread concern.
Disruptions Across the U.S.
As a result, several services across the U.S. were disrupted. For instance, state health agencies were locked out of Medicaid reimbursement portals. Moreover, funding for pre-schools, community health centers, food for low-income families, housing assistance, and disaster relief were all at risk. Universities also froze new research grants. In addition, housing projects, highway construction, and veterans’ nursing care were affected.
In addition to the Democracy Forward lawsuit, 22 states and the District of Columbia have filed a second lawsuit challenging the freeze.
Another Court Block
This is the second time in less than a week that a judge has blocked one of Trump’s executive orders. Last week, Judge John C. Coughenour blocked Trump’s order on birthright citizenship, describing it as “blatantly unconstitutional.”