A federal judge has issued a temporary order preventing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from imposing a freeze on approximately $10 billion in social services funding for several Democratic-led states, a decision the HHS claims is necessary to combat fraud but which the states argue is unconstitutional.
The states affected by this ruling include California, New York, Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado. Earlier this week, HHS announced its intention to halt funding which would result in the loss of around $7 billion from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, $2.4 billion from the Child Care Development Fund, and $870 million in social services grants.
U.S. District Judge Arun Submaranian granted the states a temporary restraining order to keep funding flowing for 14 days while the court deliberates on a request for a longer-term solution. CBS News has reached out to both the White House and HHS for comment regarding the judge’s decision.
The funding freeze was framed by the Trump administration as a response to what it describes as widespread fraud in social programs administered by the impacted states. This concern was heightened following reports of significant financial exploitation in Minnesota’s child nutrition, housing, and autism programs.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated earlier in the week that the freeze is not politically motivated, emphasizing that the states involved have failed to cooperate in developing effective plans to prevent fraud. He noted that these states received prior warnings before HHS decided to halt funding, asserting, “The best way to help poor families is to end the fraud so that the money that is available for them.”
In a lawsuit filed in federal court, the five states contend that the Trump administration’s assertions of fraud serve merely as an excuse to penalize states led by Democrats. They describe the funding freeze as “extraordinary and cruel,” arguing it would severely affect programs that support vulnerable children and families.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, labeling the funding freeze as a politically motivated action lacking justification. He criticized it as a harmful maneuver that negatively impacts the lives of low-income families and children.
The ongoing legal battle reflects deeper tensions between state and federal authorities regarding funding and compliance, with the implications of this case resonating across various social service programs potentially vital for countless families.