By: Richard L. Smith
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from enforcing a sweeping freeze on federal funding, following a lawsuit filed by New Jersey and a coalition of 22 other states.
The ruling ensures that crucial programs—ranging from law enforcement initiatives to meal assistance for children and seniors—can continue without disruption, at least until the court rules on a preliminary injunction.
According to information sent by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin praised the decision, emphasizing its impact on millions of Americans who rely on federally funded programs.
“In New Jersey, we refuse to stand by while unlawful and unconstitutional federal actions threaten our residents,” Governor Murphy said.
“Today’s ruling safeguards essential public services—law enforcement protection, meal assistance, health care access, and more—that are critical to children, veterans, and seniors. We will continue to take every necessary step to ensure our residents receive the resources that rightfully belong to them.”
Attorney General Platkin echoed Murphy’s sentiment, calling the court ruling a clear rebuke of the Trump administration’s overreach.
“Our victory in court is a reminder that the Trump administration cannot violate the Constitution and expect no consequences,” Platkin stated.
“The judge recognized the devastating impact this funding freeze would have on Americans nationwide. Today, we defended Medicaid enrollees, Head Start recipients, law enforcement, and millions of New Jersey residents who depend on basic government services—and we won. This battle isn’t over, but we will continue to stand up for New Jerseyans and fight for the resources they deserve.”
Court Ruling and Legal Challenge
The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, argued that the administration’s directive was unconstitutional and unlawfully imposed new restrictions on funding that had already been allocated by Congress.
The Trump administration abruptly rescinded the memo hours before the initial hearing, but White House statements and social media posts suggested that the freeze remained in effect.
The states contended that this last-minute reversal was merely an attempt to sidestep legal consequences.
Judge John J. McConnell, who presided over the case, agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that the administration’s actions amounted to a “distinction without a difference.”
In issuing the temporary restraining order, the judge ruled that the President had exceeded his authority by unilaterally altering funding decisions made by Congress.
“Congress has not granted the Executive Branch unlimited power to indefinitely withhold funding that has been expressly designated for specific recipients and purposes,” the court order stated. “The administration’s actions violate the separation of powers and the President’s constitutional obligation to faithfully execute the laws passed by Congress.”
Impact on Communities and Essential Programs
The funding freeze, which took effect Monday night, had already begun affecting families and communities across New Jersey and beyond. Federal funds put on hold were earmarked for a wide range of programs, including:
- WIC, a nutrition program serving pregnant parents and infants
- Head Start, providing early childhood education for low-income families
- LIHEAP, an energy assistance program that helps struggling households stay warm in winter
- Medicare enrollment support
- School meal programs for low-income students
- Homeless veteran reintegration services
- Support for domestic violence survivors, including safety planning and relocation assistance
- Refugee assistance programs, providing essentials such as clothing, household goods, rental support, English language classes, and job placement services
- Investigations and prosecutions of Medicaid fraud and child sexual abuse cases, handled by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
New Jersey filed the lawsuit alongside 22 other states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
This legal battle is ongoing, and the temporary restraining order remains in place until the court decides on a preliminary injunction.