Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Attempt to Slash Disaster Funds
In a major legal setback for the Trump administration, a federal judge in Rhode Island has blocked the White House’s effort to freeze hundreds of millions in emergency preparedness grants to Democratic-led states over immigration policy disputes.
Why Were the Funds Frozen?
The Trump administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), slashed counterterrorism and disaster readiness grants to 11 states and Washington, D.C.—citing their refusal to cooperate with the president’s aggressive mass deportation campaign.
States like New York and Illinois saw their funding cut by 79% and 69% respectively—losing over $100 million combined—despite no formal justification from FEMA.
States That Had Funding Restored
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington State
- Washington, D.C.
FEMA Cuts vs. Legal Reality: A Breakdown
| State | Original Grant Amount | Post-Cut Amount | % Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $62 million | $13 million | 79% |
| Illinois | $48 million | $15 million | 69% |
| California | $55 million | $28 million | 49% |
| Washington, D.C. | $12 million | $6 million | 50% |
“Taking Money From Its Enemies”
In court filings, the coalition of states accused the administration of using federal disaster funds as a political weapon. They cited remarks by Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, who publicly stated that states defying Trump’s immigration orders “should not receive a single dollar” from her department.
“The current administration is taking money from its enemies,” the plaintiffs argued—a phrase that became central to the case.
Judge’s Sharp Rebuke
U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy issued a temporary restraining order on Tuesday, forcing FEMA to restore full funding. She noted that the cuts appeared retaliatory and lacked statutory authority.
“Federal grant programs cannot be wielded as tools of political punishment,” Judge McElroy stated during the hearing.
Broader Pattern of Retaliatory Governance
This case is the second judicial block in one week against Trump’s funding freezes. Last Wednesday, a similar coalition won a preliminary injunction over FEMA’s initial attempt to withhold $460 million in emergency preparedness grants.
Critics say the administration is increasingly using federal resources to target political opponents—including recent moves to investigate figures like Fani T. Willis and Letitia James.
[INTERNAL_LINK:FEMA Funding]
