A judge blocks Trump's order to freeze federal aid

This blockade is the second recent judicial setback for Trump.


A federal judge in the District of Columbia, Loren L. AliKhan, has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's order to freeze federal aid until its legality is assessed.

The decision responds to a petition filed by Democracy Forward, which argues that the order from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) violates the First Amendment and governmental laws regarding executive orders.

AliKhan suspended the freeze until Monday, when a hearing will take place.

During an emergency session, he heard arguments from the Department of Justice and the National Council of Nonprofit Organizations, which warned about the impact on beneficiaries.

Jessica Morton, the attorney for the affected groups, emphasized that the measure would jeopardize payroll and essential payments. However, the Justice Department's attorney, Daniel Schwei, argued that immediate damages have not been demonstrated.

Impact and reactions

The OMB memorandum orders a temporary pause on financial assistance for foreign aid, NGOs, diversity and equity programs, and Green New Deal projects.

Although Medicaid and Social Security were excluded, several state Medicaid agencies encountered difficulties in accessing funds on Tuesday.

Organizations like Meals on Wheels warned that the measure could impact millions of vulnerable beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, attorneys general from 22 states have announced lawsuits against the OMB's order, arguing that it interferes with Congress, the only body with the authority to decide on public spending.

Ongoing legal battle

This blockade is the second recent legal setback for Trump.

Last week, a judge suspended his order to revoke the right to citizenship by birth.

Given the impact of the freeze, the case could escalate to the Supreme Court and develop into a key debate on the limits of presidential power.

Trump has focused his agenda on dismantling progressive programs, cutting funding for inclusion projects and the Green New Deal.

However, the interruption of funding affects everything from infrastructure to international assistance, creating uncertainty and potential new litigations.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.