Judge Rules Feds Cannot Withhold Social Service Funds From 5 States Over Fraud Claims
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funds designated for child care subsidies and other social service programs in five Democratic-controlled states. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick, grants the states’ request for a preliminary injunction, preventing the administration from cutting off over $10 billion in annual funding while the lawsuit proceeds. The states, including California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, argued that the administration’s actions were unlawful and would cause severe disruption to vulnerable families. The government had cited concerns about potential fraud and requested additional information from the states, but its explanation for withholding funds has shifted throughout the legal process.
John Q. Hosedrinker