6mo ago

Trump handed first major loss as judge blocks his funding freeze

Trump Handed First Major Loss as Judge Blocks His Funding Freeze

Summary

A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s freeze on all federal grants and loans, which was set to begin Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, pauses the freeze until February 3, with a hearing scheduled for Monday.

The funding halt caused widespread disruptions, shutting down Medicaid portals and Head Start programs.

Trump’s order sought to review agencies’ commitments to DEI and environmental policies.

Attorneys general from 23 states have sued to oppose the freeze.

25 comments

Get wrecked
- So did they get access to the funds? Just because a judge did this doesn't mean Trump people listen.
  
  Yes, as far as I'm aware. At least the medicaid portals came back online yesterday evening. President does NOT have the power of the purse. If SCOTUS ultimately rules against this, which would be insane because the constitution literally spells this exact phrasing out, then it'll be among the last proverbial nails in the coffin for checks and balances.
He blocked it for like a week, I hardly call that a "major loss".
- Loren AliKhan
  She.
  Also, yes, she blocked it for a week. She blocked it immediately because it has a significant chance of causing harm if it were to take effect immediately. This gives her time to consider the issue and give a real ruling. The fact that she blocked the order from going into effect so quickly indicates that she thinks that she is likely to block the order altogether.
  You're right, it's not a "major loss" for Trump yet, but it is shaping up to be one. I expect she will block this, it will get appealed to the DC Court of Appeals who will affirm, then SCOTUS will decline to hear the subsequent appeal.
  
  Also, likelihood of success on the merits. It's a flag that the judge is pretty confident that the order will be struck down after going through all the procedures. Those take times, which is why chance of causing harm is also considered. If it's both likely to succeed on the merits, and would hurt if not blocked right now (and a few other things), then it shouldn't be allowed to play out while all the procedure is being done.
  
  SCOTUS will decline to hear the subsequent appeal.
  You have more faith in them than I do.
  
  I think OP meant that trump blocked the funding for a week, which is a win for him.
BLOCKCEPTION
This is his second major loss. He already had his birthright citizenship revocation blocked as well.
Of course, neither are really "major" until they are made permanent.
Found out
- All he found out was another name to add to the purge list. He's gonna ignore it all and keep going. Even if the SCOTUS tells him they are not going to back him up, they have already given up all enforcement capability with their immunity decision.
  The sole (lawful) remedy is impeachment. He can ignore the courts and Congress entirely as long as a majority of the House (or just 34 Senators ) let him.
  
  Well that's not true at all. Wait until California stops sending funds to DC for constitutional breaches and failures. Can't pick and choose without consequences.

25 comments