The E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C. Photo by Indianz.Com (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
A federal judge is hearing arguments in a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s efforts to freeze government grants.
The hearing takes place at 11am Eastern. The public can tune in by dialing 833-990-9400 and using the Meeting ID of 715234770.
The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of non-profits. They say Trump, through the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), cannot suspend federal funds that have already been appropriated by the U.S. Congress.
The coalitions filed suit after the OMB, on January 27, ordered the freeze. Two days later, the Trump administration rescinded the memo, while at the same time arguing federal grants, assistance and other funds are still being temporarily paused.
Judge Loren L. AliKhan is hearing the case. She serves on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Separately, a group of states is suing over the OMB directive. The case is being handled by a federal judge in Rhode Island.
According to the original OMB memo, some $3 trillion is being paused by the Trump administration. Funding for a significant number of Indian Country programs is being reviewed.
Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance
Programs (January 27, 2025)
Guidance on Temporary Pause (January 28, 2025)
Instructions for Federal Financial Assistance Program Analysis in Support of M-25-13 (Undated from OMB)
Rescission of M-25-13 (January 29, 2025)