A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has issued a temporary restraining order against a Trump administration effort to freeze funding for federal grants and programs. The order by U.S. Judge Loren AliKhan responds to a memo from the Office of Management and Budget directing the funding pause, which sparked a legal challenge from nonprofits. The initial pause was temporarily stayed, and the White House later rescinded the memo but pledged to review federal funding.

The expanded temporary restraining order blocks the administration from implementing or reinstating the directives in the original memo. Judge AliKhan criticized the administration for attempting to interfere with Congress’s appropriation of funds, stating it tried to seize power away from the rightful branch of government. The OMB is required to provide a compliance report by Friday, releasing any previously frozen awards.

Despite rescinding the memo, the White House emphasized that executive actions would continue to address federal funding waste. Nonprofit organizations, including the National Council of Nonprofits, celebrated the court decision and condemned the administration’s actions as reckless. They expressed relief for the clarity provided, allowing them to resume their vital work.

The administration faces further legal challenges related to the OMB memo. In a separate case, a federal judge in Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order against efforts to freeze payments, following a challenge from Democratic attorneys general in multiple states and the District of Columbia.