Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, along with a coalition of 22 other attorneys general, has successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration. The injunction blocks a policy that would freeze federal funds for essential grants, loans, and financial assistance programs. This decision was made by Judge John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
Attorney General Ford emphasized the importance of lawful implementation of policies: “I say again what I’ve said before: President Trump is free to implement his policies, but he must do so lawfully. When he does not, I will meet and beat him in court.” He highlighted the potential harm to Nevadans and various state programs if the funding freeze were allowed to proceed.
The contested policy was initiated through several actions, including a memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget on January 27. It involved withholding trillions in federal funds meant for states and entities such as nonprofit organizations and community health centers. The resulting uncertainty affected millions who depend on these funds.
The coalition's legal action began on January 28 with a lawsuit against the administration. A temporary restraining order was granted by the court on January 31 to block the policy's implementation until further notice. Further motions were filed by AG Ford and his colleagues on February 7 to enforce this order and secure a preliminary injunction.
On February 8, compliance with the temporary restraining order was mandated by the court, halting any freezing of federal funds. A subsequent motion on February 28 aimed at stopping additional freezes affecting Federal Emergency Management Agency grants followed.
Today’s ruling requires immediate cessation of the funding freeze policy's implementation and demands evidence from the administration regarding compliance with unfreezing FEMA funds by March 14.
The lawsuit includes participation from attorneys general representing California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island (co-leads), as well as Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.