A federal judge has temporarily blocked US President Donald Trump's request to suspend state aid programs while his administration conducts a review to ensure that the money is being distributed in line with White House priorities, including executive orders to end diversity, equality and inclusion programs, Reuters and the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Shortly before the funding freeze was set to take effect on Tuesday afternoon, Judge Lauren Alihan ordered funds for current programs to continue to be paid until February 3. The order was issued in connection with a lawsuit filed by non-governmental organizations.
The grants are vital to local governments, schools and nonprofits, the AP notes. Administration officials said the disbursement of the funds would be suspended while a review is conducted to determine whether the spending complies with Trump's latest executive orders. The Republican president wants to increase fossil fuel production, roll back protections for transgender people and end efforts for diversity, equality and inclusion, the AP comments. Even a temporary funding cut could lead to cuts or delays in public services.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued a memorandum yesterday that the court said did not make it clear enough which programs would be affected. "It appears that the federal government does not currently know the full scope of the programs whose funding will be temporarily suspended," said Judge Alihan, who was appointed by President Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump issued an executive order halting federal funding for gender reassignment programs for children under the age of 19.
"It is the policy of the United States not to fund, sponsor, encourage, assist, or support the so-called "transition" of a child from one gender to another and to strictly enforce all laws that prohibit or restrict these destructive and life-altering procedures," Trump's executive order said.