By LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The freeze on federal funding planned by the Trump administration is set to return to a Washington courtroom on Monday.
A judge will decide on extending the temporary block on President Donald Trump’s plan to stop federal grants and loans, which could potentially impact trillions of dollars in funding. U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan in Washington initially halted the funding freeze just before it was supposed to take effect, but her temporary stay is only in place until Monday afternoon, pending a decision on an extension.
Another judge in Rhode Island issued a temporary order on Friday preventing the Trump administration from halting federal funding in a separate lawsuit filed by nearly two dozen Democratic states.
Although the Trump administration quickly rescinded the memo targeting broad funding cuts, the White House press secretary has indicated that a freeze on funding remains part of Trump’s series of executive orders.
President Trump aims to boost fossil fuel production, roll back protections for transgender individuals, and put an end to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The lawsuit in Washington was brought by nonprofit organizations at risk of losing federal funding. These groups argue that Trump’s plan is unlawful and its ideological nature violates their freedom of speech.
The administration contends that the groups have not demonstrated they will suffer harm from the plan, which could be a temporary pause in accordance with federal law. The administration assured that essential payments to individuals such as Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid would not be affected.
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