Bennett, Beshear challenge Trump's federal funding freeze

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced that his office is joining a nationwide lawsuit against the Trump administration over a federal funding freeze affecting various programs in the state. The lawsuit, initiated by 22 Democratic state attorneys general, challenges the legality of the freeze, which has resulted in Kentucky being unable to access over $7 million in federal reimbursements, including essential funds for repairing abandoned mine lands. Beshear emphasized that this action is not partisan, noting he would have taken similar steps regardless of the president's political affiliation. Although a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to lift the freeze, compliance has been inconsistent, with some funds still unavailable. Beshear stated that the people of Kentucky deserve reliable access to the federal funds owed to them and expressed his commitment to ensuring the federal government upholds its agreements. The lawsuit aims to hold the administration accountable for its funding practices and to secure the necessary resources for Kentucky's programs.