On Monday, U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Providence, Rhode Island, ruled that the Trump administration violated a court order lifting a broad freeze on federal spending and directed the government to immediately release any withheld funds.
Previously, on January 31, Judge McConnell had issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration’s funding freeze. However, Democratic state attorneys general reported last week that the government continued to withhold funds despite the court’s directive.
In his ruling, McConnell emphasized that the “broad categorical and sweeping freeze of federal funds is, as the court found, likely unconstitutional and has caused and continues to cause irreparable harm to a vast portion of this country.” He further stated that the administration’s actions violated the clear terms of the temporary restraining order.
The judge mandated that all funding be restored until a hearing can be held on the states’ motion for a longer-term order. The Trump administration has announced plans to appeal the decision.
