A federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that the Trump Administration cannot unilaterally terminate billions in grant funding for states already appropriated by Congress. The ruling comes after 20 states, three governors, and the District of Columbia sued the administration over the terminations.

Background

The Trump Administration had claimed that a clause in federal law allowed them to terminate grants based on changes in agency priorities. However, the plaintiffs argued that this interpretation was inconsistent with the separation of powers and the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The judge agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that the Termination Clause does not permit agencies to terminate grants based on new program goals or agency priorities identified after grants were awarded. The ruling is a significant blow to the Trump Administration’s efforts to reshape federal spending.

Implications

The decision has implications for a wide range of federal grant programs, including those related to disaster preparedness, education, and public health. The Trump Administration had proposed changes that would have allowed them to terminate or suspend grants at any time for any reason, but the judge’s ruling limits their authority to do so.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.