A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration violated a court order by halting the disbursement of millions in FEMA grants to states. U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island sided with 22 Democratic attorneys general and Washington D.C., stating that FEMA's "manual review" of grants defied a prior injunction against freezing federal aid.
McConnell, an Obama appointee, emphasized that his order was clear and that FEMA had no justification for delaying funds. He ordered the agency, under the Department of Homeland Security, to immediately resume disbursements and stop the review process.
The ruling follows the White House’s earlier attempt to freeze $3 trillion in grants, loans, and financial aid via a rescinded January 27 memo. That directive called for a pause to align funding with President Trump’s executive orders, particularly targeting “sanctuary jurisdictions” that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Attorneys general argued that FEMA’s freeze endangered essential programs for disaster response, including wildfire and flood mitigation. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the delay "unlawful" and "reckless." A Homeland Security spokesperson criticized the decision, labeling McConnell an "activist judge" and insisting the agency seeks to safeguard taxpayer funds.
McConnell cited a directive from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that restricted funding related to immigration, suggesting FEMA was covertly implementing Trump’s January 20 immigration order.
The decision raises ongoing concerns among Democrats and legal experts about the Trump administration’s willingness to follow judicial rulings, amid increasing attacks on judges who challenge its policies.
By reinforcing the court’s authority, the ruling mandates FEMA to comply and deliver funds crucial to state-level emergency management programs. The legal battle underscores the growing tension between federal oversight and judicial enforcement under Trump’s leadership.