Washington federal judge Lauren Alihan has temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s decision to freeze $3 trillion in federal aid related to domestic support programs in the United States. About this informs The Hill.
The Trump administration has suspended not only international aid but also funding for federal programs, including blocking new grants and loans. The White House and the State Department explain this by the need to review programs to align their funding with the law and the president’s priorities.
The freezing order was supposed to take effect, but Judge Alikhan temporarily suspended it until February 3, when she is to issue a final verdict. She made this decision at the last moment before the restrictions came into effect.
The legal process was initiated by the “Democracy Forward” organization, which has already repeatedly sued Trump. In their lawsuit, the activists argue that the president’s decision has no legal force and that without immediate court intervention, many people and organizations will find themselves in chaos. In addition, several Democratic attorneys general have also announced their intention to challenge the Trump administration’s actions in court.
Funding for preschools, community medical centers, food programs for low-income families, housing assistance, and disaster relief is under threat. Universities have already suspended new research grants.
It’s the second time a federal judge has stepped in to halt Trump’s expanded interpretation of his own powers and allow for further litigation.
