The temporary block wins 21 democratically-led states that filed the lawsuit.
A federal judge in Rhode Island temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order in response to a lawsuit brought by 21 Democratic-led states.
The executive order “ignores the fundamental constitutional role of each branch of the federal government. Specifically, it ignores the unwavering principles that Congress create and fund laws, and implements laws that Congress has enacted and allocated.” McConnell wrote.
In his ruling, a federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s argument that the state had no position, or the legal doctrine of filing a court challenge that establishes whether parties can file a lawsuit.
“The state offers compelling evidence that the harm caused by the dismantling of IML, MBDA and FMCs has already been deployed or is certainly occurring.
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However, McConnell did not order the agency to take any particular steps. The judge told the state to consult with the Trump administration and submit a more detailed order for him to confirm.
He said the executives “know that these institutions represent opportunities for Americans to improve themselves in order to protect free access to knowledge, to protect the workforce and employment rights through local public libraries and to support the growth of small businesses.”
The attorney further stated in his filing that the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island is not a suitable place to resolve the dispute.
“The legislature did not directly apply appropriate funds to the state. They allowed the defendant agencies to issue grants,” the administration argued. “These grants are contracts, and the plaintiffs’ requests to challenge their dismissal and require the government to pay funds from these dismissed grants are in the federal court of claims.”
Trump’s executive order was part of his broader efforts to dramatically reduce the federal government and reduce government spending. Tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired and accepted shopping to leave indefinitely or quit their jobs.
The president says his efforts are designed to remove spending on programs that promote progressive policies that he says are reducing government fraud, waste, and abuse and waste taxpayer funds.
Reuters contributed to this report.
