President Trump's recent directive to freeze trillions in federal grants and loans ignited widespread backlash, particularly affecting the Medicaid system and critical health programs for low-income Americans. A federal judge temporarily blocked the order after a lawsuit from Democracy Forward, claiming it violated the First Amendment. As 22 state attorneys general joined the legal battle, asserting the freeze overstepped Trump's authority, concerns mounted over reduced federal funding impacting access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The order sparked fierce criticism from Democrats and raised alarms about its effects on vulnerable populations relying on federal support.
What a ham-handed way to run the government, said Rhode Island's attorney general, Peter Neronha, when the lawsuit was announced.
Democrats assailed Mr. Trump's order as an unlawful encroachment on Congress's authority over federal spending.
The judge, Loren AliKhan, said she would issue a more permanent decision on Feb. 3.
Federal health researchers, nonprofits and programs for early childhood education reported that their usual access to federal funds had gone down.
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