Trump Loses Appeal in Court Battle Over Federal Spending Freeze
BOSTON, Feb. 11 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump suffered a setback in his bid to freeze federal spending after an appeals court declined to pause a court order requiring the government to continue providing funds.
Background
On January 31, U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued an order requiring the government to lift a freeze on billions of dollars in federal funding. The order came after a lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia, who argued that the freeze, initiated by the Trump administration, was unlawful.
The Trump administration appealed the order, arguing that Judge McConnell had overstepped his authority and that the order infringed on the President’s lawful right to direct agencies.
Appeals Court Decision
Late on Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice requested the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to put the lower court order on hold. However, the appeals court rejected the request, expressing confidence that the lower court would promptly address the concerns raised by the government.
The appeals court noted that the government could still attempt to stay the order by filing additional supporting documents by Thursday.
Trump’s Reaction and Concerns
The order marks the first instance since Trump returned to office on January 20 that a court has found his administration in violation of an order blocking part of his agenda.
Trump has criticized the ruling, arguing that it impedes his efforts to eliminate government waste. He has also accused judges of attempting to "slow down or stop" his administration’s policies.
The Trump administration and its allies have expressed concerns that the Justice Department’s failure to comply with court orders could undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in the judiciary.
Continuing Legal Battles
The lawsuit before Judge McConnell is one of numerous legal challenges facing the Trump administration from Democratic-led states, civil rights groups, and progressive advocacy organizations. These lawsuits have targeted the administration’s policies on spending, immigration, and environmental regulations.
The Democratic attorneys general involved in the funding freeze case have urged Judge McConnell to enforce his order, arguing that the administration continues to withhold billions of dollars in infrastructure and environmental funding.
Implications
The appeals court’s decision is a significant victory for the states that brought the lawsuit. It suggests that the courts are willing to hold the Trump administration accountable for violating court orders.
The decision also raises questions about the future of Trump’s agenda, as it demonstrates the limits of his power to unilaterally implement policies.
