Federal Judges Temporarily Block Trump Administration Overhaul, Funding Cuts Across Multiple States

Several federal judges have issued rulings that block or challenge various Trump administration efforts to restructure or influence federal agencies and funding. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston temporarily blocked Trump's broad Executive Branch overhaul, ruling that such large-scale changes require Congressional approval, siding with labor unions and local governments in their constitutional challenge. Similarly, in Delaware, a preliminary injunction halted the dismantling of agencies supporting libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses, highlighting concerns over funding cuts that would impact community resources. In another case, Judge William Orrick warned the administration that an executive order targeting sanctuary cities by threatening to withhold federal funds must comply with constitutional limits and cannot circumvent existing court injunctions. Additionally, local governments, including Pierce County, successfully sought a pause on new grant funding conditions imposed by the Trump administration that conflicted with prior guidelines, particularly regarding immigration policies, gender ideology, and diversity initiatives. These rulings collectively underscore judicial checks on the administration's attempts to use executive power to reshape government functions and funding without legislative backing.