Denver Files Second Lawsuit Over Trump Administration Threats To Withhold $600M Federal Transportation Funds

Denver, along with dozens of other cities and counties, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over threats to withhold hundreds of millions in federal transportation and infrastructure grants unless municipalities comply with federal directives on immigration enforcement and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, argues that these conditions are unconstitutional, illegal, and represent an overreach by the executive branch, as only Congress has the authority to attach such requirements to federal funding. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's memo warned cities that failure to terminate DEI efforts or fully cooperate with immigration enforcement could result in loss of funding, jeopardizing nearly $600 million for Denver alone, including vital support for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and Denver International Airport. City officials emphasize that the threatened funds are critical for maintaining essential transportation services and infrastructure projects. Mayor Mike Johnston and other plaintiffs assert that the administration's actions violate the separation of powers and could cripple local governments' ability to serve their residents if implemented. The outcome of the lawsuit could impact billions in federal funding for cities nationwide that resist aligning with the administration's policies.