Judge John McConnell ’80 requested the attorneys general draft an order to protect individuals and institutions that rely on federal funding.

More than 23 states are seeking a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration over its effort to freeze federal funds.

The coalition of attorneys general argue that the order violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell said statements from the White House had undercut its attempt to rescind the memo ordering the spending freeze.

The 23 state attorneys general involved in the suit will now draft a temporary restraining order, and the Trump administration will need to respond.

The group of Democratic attorneys general argued that freezing spending authorized by Congress to conduct an ideological review is unconstitutional.

The Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded a sweeping directive to pause federal loans, grants and other financial assistance, a White House official said, just shortly before it was set to appear in court for a second straight day to defend the policy.

I’m worried about the effect to the people,” said the federal judge about disruptions to federal grants that sent shock waves across the country.

A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general announced legal action against the White House budget office Tuesday over its directive to freeze federal assistance while reviewing whether government spending aligns with President Trump’s agenda.

The FBI and Providence, Rhode Island, police raided a Central Falls Municipal Court judge's office Thursday, though the reasons are unknown.

A U.S. judge is considering blocking the Trump administration's pause on federal financial aid, responding to Democrats' concerns over spending policy. The judge has requested attorneys general to draft a restraining order following the White House's partial withdrawal of its controversial funding freeze directive.

While the memo from the Trump administration to freeze federal funds has been rescinded, the actions and intent have not, writes the president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.