Trump loses bid to pause judge's order barring funding freezes

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Trump Loses Bid to Halt Judge’s Order on Federal Funding Freeze

By Nate Raymond and Jack Queen
February 12, 2025 | 6:19 AM GMT+6 | Updated 4 hours ago

A U.S. appeals court has denied President Donald Trump’s request to pause a judge’s ruling that blocks his administration from freezing federal funds, marking a legal setback in his efforts to reshape government spending.

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston rejected the Justice Department’s bid to delay an order issued Monday by U.S. District Judge John McConnell. The judge had previously ruled that the administration was illegally withholding billions in federal funding despite a January 31 decision ordering the funds to be disbursed.

Appeals Court Ruling and DOJ Response

The Justice Department argued that McConnell’s ruling amounted to “intolerable judicial overreach” and interfered with Trump’s ability to implement his policies. DOJ lawyers also claimed the case was obstructing federal efforts to support Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

However, the three-judge panel—comprised of Judges David Barron, Lara Montecalvo, and Julie Rikelman, all appointed by Democratic presidents—stated in a brief order that they believed McConnell would clarify any concerns raised by the administration regarding Trump’s executive authority.

The court did not block the administration from filing another request to suspend the ruling, allowing the DOJ to submit additional arguments by Thursday’s deadline.

White House Pushback and Political Fallout

Following the decision, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the ruling part of a broader “weaponization of justice against President Trump.”

Trump and his allies have increasingly criticized judges who have ruled against his agenda. On Tuesday, Trump claimed on social media that “activist judges want us to slow down, or stop” his administration’s spending reforms.

Billionaire businessman Elon Musk, a vocal Trump supporter, took the criticism further, alleging a “judicial coup” was undermining democracy. Musk had previously called for the impeachment of a New York judge who blocked a Trump administration initiative related to government efficiency.

Legal Challenges to Trump’s Policies

The case before McConnell was brought by attorneys general from 22 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., after the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo announcing a sweeping freeze on federal spending.

Although OMB later withdrew the memo, McConnell ruled that a temporary restraining order was still necessary, citing evidence that funding was still being withheld despite the agency’s official reversal.

Democratic attorneys general have since asked McConnell to enforce his ruling, arguing that the administration is illegally withholding billions in infrastructure and environmental funding tied to laws like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act.

Implications and Next Steps

The ruling marks a major legal hurdle for Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal government’s size, cut spending, and tighten immigration policies. Similar lawsuits brought by Democratic-led states and advocacy groups have already blocked multiple White House initiatives.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, a lead plaintiff in the case, praised the appeals court’s ruling, stating that it “ensures McConnell’s order remains in full force, and we expect the administration to comply.”

With the administration still able to challenge the ruling by Thursday, the legal battle over Trump’s spending freeze is far from over.