A federal judge in Rhode Island has formally blocked the Trump administration's spending freeze, saying in it is likely a violation of the Constitution.

Summary

A Rhode Island federal judge blocked the Trump’s funding freeze, ruling that the executive action likely violates the Constitution and congressional spending commitments.

The order, issued by Judge John McConnell Jr., prohibits pausing or terminating federal financial assistance to states during the temporary restraining order.

Despite the administration’s attempted rescission of a fund freezing memo, White House officials support the freeze, prompting legal challenges from 22 state attorneys general.

Judge McConnell warned that circumventing the injunction could lead to further legal action, highlighting risks to constitutional limits on executive power.