Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaii has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action aims to prevent the implementation of a new policy from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that would halt trillions of dollars in federal funding essential for state services.
The policy, announced by OMB, proposes an indefinite suspension on most federal assistance to states. This could affect critical programs including health and childcare services, public school support, efforts against hate crimes and violence against women, and disaster relief operations.
Attorney General Lopez stated, "We are aware of U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan’s ruling which blocks the federal grant and loan freeze until Monday. It is imperative that we continue with our court filing to make sure that the enforcement of the OMB policy is halted."
Lopez emphasized Hawaii's financial contributions to the federal government through taxes and asserted that residents deserve access to federally funded programs as per law. She expressed concerns over the policy's impact on Hawaii and other states, stating, "Neither the President of the United States nor an acting federal budget official can unilaterally upend federal law."
The directive from OMB was issued late on January 27, mandating all federal agencies to pause most funding at 5:00 pm on January 28. The coalition argues this has already caused disruption for millions relying on state programs funded by these resources.
Furthermore, Attorney General Lopez highlighted potential risks due to reduced law enforcement resources if funds are withheld. This includes halting initiatives by the Department of Justice aimed at combating hate crimes and supporting community policing.
States have reported frozen funds despite attempts by the administration to clarify OMB's policy scope. The lawsuit claims this move violates both constitutional provisions and administrative laws governing federal spending decisions.
The attorneys general involved assert that such unilateral actions override Congress' authority over fiscal matters. Joining Attorney General Lopez are counterparts from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin and D.C.