A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s order to freeze federal grants and loans on Tuesday, as Medicaid and other programs experienced interruptions causing chaos and confusion. The Trump administration’s directive could halt trillions of dollars in federal funds while agencies are directed to ensure financial assistance doesn’t conflict with administration ideology. California’s Attorney General and 22 other states have sued to stop the freeze, saying it is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers. We’ll talk about what could be affected by the funding order, which is halted until at least Monday, the legality of Trump’s action, and the efforts to fight it.
Trump Federal Funding Freeze Order Sows Confusion, Fear
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a press conference with other Senate Democrats on the OMB's plan to freeze Federal grants and loans in Washington, DC, United States on January 28, 2025. (Anadolu via Getty Images)
Guests:
Samuel R. Bagenstos, professor of law, University of Michigan Law School; former general counsel, White House Office of Management and Budget
Mark Joseph Stern, senior writer, Slate magazine
Marisa Lagos, politics correspondent, KQED, co-host of KQED's Political Breakdown
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