Federal judge I opposed The Trump administration and the president said it was violating an order to remove federal funds over lawsuits from almost 20 states.
Rhode Island Judge John McConnell said the administration had not followed previous orders on Jan. 31, ruled that the administration must immediately remove funds.
“The defendant is now pleading that he is only trying to eradicate fraud. But the freeze is now the result of a broad category order, rather than a specific discovery of possible fraud.
The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of 22 states, including New Jersey, New York, California, Massachusetts and Arizona.
“The state presented evidence in this allegation that the defendant continued to inappropriately freeze federal funds and refused to resume payments of allotted federal funds,” McConnell wrote.
Justice Department lawyers argued that the order was too broad and that it was under review to see if it was “appropriate” for any funding.
McConnell disagreed.
“The defendants are now pleasing that they are just trying to eradicate fraud. However, the freeze is now the result of a broad category of order, not a specific finding of possible fraud,” said the judge. wrote. “A broad, categorical, drastic freeze in federal funding is likely unconstitutional, as the courts have found, and continues to cause irreparable harm to a vast portion of the country.”
McConnell ordered funds to remain unzen until a hearing on a preliminary injunction is held later in February.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Plackin applause Arbitration.
“The federal judge has determined that Trump continues to freeze funds illegally. Now he is again ordered – again – to comply with important funds and recover. We will be yours. I'll continue to fight for it.
McConnell was appointed to court in 2011 by former President Barack Obama.
Like Blaze News? Bypass censorship, sign up for our newsletter and get stories like these directly into your inbox. Sign up here!
