Judge Halts Trump's Federal Grant Freeze

President Donald Trump's administration initiated a freeze on federal grants and loans as part of a review of government spending, but a federal judge temporarily blocked the order just before it was set to take effect. The pause was intended to assess programs' alignment with Trump's priorities and specifically targeted foreign aid and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and environmental policies. Despite assurances of not affecting Social Security, Medicare, and other individual assistance programs, the freeze caused widespread confusion and concern among states and organizations dependent on federal funding. Nonprofit groups and attorneys general from 22 states filed lawsuits, arguing the freeze was unprecedented and reckless, ignoring legal spending mandates. Experts suggest that Trump's order could be illegal, as historical precedence and federal law require congressional approval for such spending decisions. The temporary restraining order by Judge Loren AliKhan allows for continued distribution of federal assistance until further legal proceedings.