A federal judge temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s order to freeze hundreds of billions in federal aid, minutes before it was set to take effect. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan granted the halt after advocacy groups warned it would disrupt programs like healthcare and infrastructure. The court will revisit the case on Monday.
Trump’s directive, part of his broader effort to reshape the federal government, also halted foreign aid and shuttered diversity programs. His administration defended the freeze as necessary to control the $6.75 trillion budget, while Democrats condemned it as an illegal overreach disrupting payments to doctors and preschool teachers.
The White House assured that Social Security, Medicare, and direct assistance programs would remain untouched. However, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden reported Medicaid payment issues, and Senator Chris Murphy noted reimbursement delays for Head Start preschools. The Pentagon stated defense contractors were exempt.
Democratic attorneys general sued, arguing the freeze violates the Constitution and harms states reliant on federal aid. The order covers more than 2,600 grant programs, affecting areas from disaster relief to infrastructure. Republican-leaning states could also suffer significant losses.
Trump’s move follows his foreign aid suspension, already impacting global health programs. Meanwhile, agencies scramble to interpret the order, with the Justice Department pausing $4 billion in funding, including aid for missing children.
Democrats blasted the freeze as reckless and unlawful. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called it “lawless and cruel.” Trump’s nominee for budget director, Russell Vought, has argued that Congress cannot force a president to spend money. Republican Representative Don Bacon expressed concerns, emphasizing the importance of separation of powers in government.
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