Trump-Appointed Judge Orders Funding Restored to Trump Admin Programs

Federal Judge Orders Release of Funds Blocked by Trump Administration

The Trump administration has consistently expressed disapproval regarding the disbursement of funds allocated by Congress through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, a recent ruling by a federal judge on Tuesday mandated that agencies resume the distribution of these funds.

Withholding of Congressionally Approved Funds

During the presidency of Donald Trump, federal agencies have utilized executive orders as justification for withholding grants and contracts that had been authorized by Congress, with many already having been awarded. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy, appointed by Trump during his initial term, determined that the administration’s actions lacked both reasonableness and adequate explanation.

Judge McElroy stated that the extensive powers claimed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the National Economic Council (NEC) Director, and five federal agencies are not supported by existing federal law.

Lawsuits Against Multiple Agencies

The lawsuit involves five federal agencies and an equal number of plaintiffs. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing legal action from the Childhood Lead Action Project, which had been awarded $500,000 to combat childhood lead poisoning in Rhode Island. Other agencies involved include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of the Interior.

Separate Case Involving Citibank

This legal challenge is distinct from another case where the Trump administration directed Citibank to freeze hundreds of millions of dollars in funds held in nonprofit organizations’ bank accounts. In that instance, a federal judge criticized the Trump administration – specifically the EPA – for acting in an “arbitrary and capricious” manner when terminating contracts with three nonprofits.

A temporary restraining order was subsequently issued, compelling both the EPA and Citibank to grant the nonprofits access to their frozen funds.

Acknowledging Presidential Authority

Judge McElroy recognized the administration’s right to guide the nation’s direction, while also acknowledging inherent limitations. She emphasized that elections have consequences and a President is entitled to pursue their policy agenda.

“The judiciary does not and cannot decide whether his policies are sound,” McElroy wrote in her ruling.

Judicial Review of Governmental Procedures

However, the judge clarified that the courts are constitutionally obligated to intervene when concerns arise regarding the procedures – or lack thereof – employed by the government in implementing these policies.

Challenges to Administrative Control

Numerous companies and nonprofit organizations have voiced their objections through court filings, contesting the Trump administration’s attempts to exert control over executive branch departments and agencies to effectively negate the impact of legislation previously enacted by Congress and signed into law by the prior administration.

Judge McElroy's Agreement with Plaintiffs

McElroy sided with the plaintiffs in this case, asserting that agencies do not possess unlimited authority to advance a President’s agenda. Furthermore, they lack the unrestricted power to indefinitely obstruct the implementation of two statutes passed by Congress during the preceding administration.

This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to established legal procedures when implementing policy changes.