President Donald Trump’s administration faced another setback in its attempt to halt federal funding for programs incongruent with its agenda as a second judge blocked the implementation of a broad pause on grants and financial aid. U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island, responding to Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and D.C., issued an injunction preventing the reissuance of the freeze initially outlined in a memo from the White House budget office. This ruling followed McConnell’s prior temporary restraining order and a similar injunction by another judge in Washington, criticizing the abrupt funding pause totaling up to $3 trillion.

McConnell, an appointee of President Obama, accused the Trump administration of overstepping its authority by suspending allocated funds, undermining the constitutional separation of powers. The administration intends to challenge the ruling after previously failing to delay McConnell’s prior order. The legal dispute arose when the Office of Management and Budget directed agencies to halt spending on federal assistance programs to review alignment with Trump’s executive orders, which included ending certain programs and climate change initiatives.

Although the memo was withdrawn after legal challenges, plaintiffs argued that the policy persisted, citing a statement by White House Press Secretary Leavitt. The ongoing legal battle signifies broader implications regarding executive branch control over appropriations and congressional oversight. The administration’s next steps and the judiciary’s response will shape the outcome of this clash between branches of government.