Attorneys general from five Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration, accusing it of unlawfully freezing billions in social safety net funds.
California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, and New York filed the lawsuit on Thursday in federal court in New York’s Southern District, challenging the administration’s decision to halt $10 billion in funding for public benefit programs, citing unproven fraud concerns.
The Trump administration announced the freeze earlier this week, affecting three federal programs, including the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the Child Care and Development Fund. The states argue that the freeze is unconstitutional and lacks any legitimate justification. New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading the lawsuit, stated that the administration has overstepped its authority by freezing funds already approved by Congress.
The lawsuit also criticizes the administration’s demand for extensive documentation and data from the states within 14 days, calling it overly broad. The funding freeze is part of a broader investigation into alleged fraud in Minnesota’s social services, but the states argue that no evidence of fraud has been presented.
The case adds to a series of legal battles between Democratic states and the Trump administration over federal funding issues. The states emphasize the critical role of these programs in supporting low-income families and warn of severe impacts if the funding is not restored.
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