In a dramatic escalation of tensions between state and federal governments, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block a controversial new Trump administration policy that could withhold trillions of dollars in federal funding for essential state programs. The policy, issued by the President’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), imposes an indefinite pause on the majority of federal assistance to states, threatening critical services ranging from healthcare and education to disaster relief and law enforcement.
“This sudden freeze in federal funding is so sweeping that it could cause widespread and immediate harm across our state – delaying disaster recovery in our western counties, undercutting law enforcement, and affecting children and veterans. It violates constitutional power over federal spending, and I’m taking legal action to stop it,” said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks an immediate injunction to stop the enforcement of the OMB policy, which went into effect at 5:00 p.m. on January 28. The coalition argues that the freeze violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act, accusing the Trump administration of overstepping its authority by unilaterally overriding laws governing federal spending.
“All Marylanders would be affected by this unconstitutional pause on federal funding, but those who would bear the brunt of the damage are our most vulnerable and marginalized neighbors who rely on these resources to pay for early childhood education, health care, and housing,” said Attorney General Brown. “This freeze would have devastating impacts on people’s lives across our State and nation, a catastrophe our Office will try to avoid by any means necessary.”
The OMB policy has already caused widespread chaos and uncertainty, with states reporting that funds have been frozen, jeopardizing programs that millions of Americans depend on. Essential services such as community health centers, addiction and mental health treatment programs, and support for people with disabilities are at risk of being disrupted. The freeze also threatens funding for public schools, childcare services, and initiatives to combat hate crimes and violence against women.
In addition, the policy could cripple disaster relief efforts in states like California and North Carolina, where tens of thousands of residents are relying on FEMA grants to recover from devastating wildfires and floods. The lawsuit highlights the immediate and far-reaching consequences of the freeze, warning that it could put Americans in danger by depriving law enforcement of critical resources needed to support community policing and provide services to victims of crime.
The coalition of attorneys general argues that the Trump administration’s policy is not only reckless but also unconstitutional. They contend that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally override laws passed by Congress, which dictate how federal funds are allocated and spent. “The president cannot decide to unilaterally override laws governing federal spending,” the lawsuit states. “OMB’s policy unconstitutionally overrides Congress’s power to decide how federal funds are spent.”
The lawsuit has ignited a fierce political debate, with critics accusing the Trump administration of using federal funding as a weapon to pressure states into compliance with its policies. Supporters of the administration, however, argue that the freeze is a necessary measure to rein in federal spending and ensure accountability.
“This lawless and chaotic order attempts to steal allocated dollars that have been included in state budgets. This will impact our ability to protect our residents and conduct basic everyday programs like funding for healthcare and food for children,” said Arizona Attorney General Mayes. “Donald Trump is attempting to illegally implement his radical Project 2025 agenda with catastrophic results. We will not allow him to do so.”
“Where are the Republicans and why aren’t they standing up for law enforcement and against this illegal money grab? They sure as hell aren’t standing up for law enforcement or the people of Arizona,” said Arizona Attorney General Mayes.
“The Trump White House freeze on congressionally mandated federal aid is reckless and unprecedented. This action takes the power of the purse away from Congress, violates the separation of powers, and is already causing massive harm in Colorado, undermining delivery of healthcare, education, and public safety. As attorney general, I will continue to defend Coloradans and the Constitution. This government funding shutdown is illegal and must be stopped by the courts. That is why I joined other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to do just that,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
The legal battle comes at a time of heightened tensions between the federal government and states, particularly those led by Democratic officials. The Trump administration has repeatedly clashed with states over issues such as immigration, healthcare, and environmental regulations, and this latest move is seen as part of a broader pattern of using federal power to advance its agenda.
Maryland’s participation in the lawsuit underscores the high stakes for the state, which relies heavily on federal funding to support programs that benefit its residents. Attorney General Brown emphasized that his office uses federal resources to combat Medicaid fraud, protect vulnerable populations from abuse, and ensure affordable food prices, among other critical functions. “This freeze would have devastating impacts on people’s lives across our State and nation,” he said.
The coalition of states joining the lawsuit includes Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Together, they represent a broad cross-section of the country, united in their opposition to what they see as an unprecedented and dangerous overreach by the federal government.
“On January 20, our nation experienced a peaceful transition of power. But January 20 was an inauguration – not a coronation, and the U.S. Constitution is clear: Congress is granted the power to appropriate funding. The executive branch cannot unilaterally disregard appropriations passed by a separate branch of government,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “This freeze will have a devastating impact on the funding for our state’s most vulnerable residents. It also makes our residents, including our children, less safe. My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has arrested more than 2,300 sexual predators since 2006. Our children and our state cannot afford for us to not fight this unlawful policy.”
A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration’s suspension of federal grants and loans, which could amount to trillions of dollars and potentially disrupt health care research, educational programs, and various other initiatives.
The White House intended to implement this pause on Tuesday as part of a comprehensive ideological assessment of its expenditure.
“We hear and share your direct and dire concerns. My team is working at full speed today to discern what these orders mean and the extent of their immediate impacts, and request an immediate legal remedy to restore funding provided by Congress, require this administration to comply with the law, and to stop this absurd and unprecedented attack on these programs. I intend to file litigation today to protect these programs and restore these vital services,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
In a stunning show of disinterest and incoherence, the Republicans downplay the Democrats’ response to “disarray” and make arguments for foreign policy, such as funding the Israeli army, claiming that “the International Criminal Court has targeted American soldiers,” and blocking the nominations of John Radcliffe, funding the border wall and others. In addition, in defense of President Trump’s actions, Republican senators believe it’s not unusual for an administration to pause funding.
“This funding comes from federal tax dollars that Oregonians have paid,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “Not getting these funds could mean some families will, for example, lose access to basic medical services—because clinics will have to reduce hours and cut staff. This is just another attempt by President Trump to sow chaos and the people who rely on this money will suffer irreparable harm.”
Hawai’i Attorney General Lopez continued: “The people of Hawaiʻi pay the federal government
millions upon millions of dollars in taxes every year, and the people of this state are
entitled to receive a broad array of federal funds to pay for law enforcement and other
crucial programs in accordance with federal law. And the impacts of this policy
withholding federal funds have already been realized in our state. Neither the President
of the United States nor an acting federal budget official can unilaterally upend federal
law and cause such mass uncertainty in the Hawaiʻi and our sister states by withholding
federal funds authorized by law. The Department of the Attorney General will stand up
for the rule of law in this nation.”
As the legal battle unfolds, millions of Americans are left wondering how the outcome will affect their access to essential services. For now, the lawsuit represents a bold attempt by states to push back against what they view as a catastrophic policy that threatens the well-being of their residents and the integrity of the federal system. The question remains: will the courts side with the states, or will the Trump administration succeed in its controversial effort to reshape the relationship between federal and state governments?
