AG Platkin, Coalition File New Court Motions to Safeguard Nearly $3 Trillion in Federal Assistance

NEW JERSEY – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, joined by 22 state attorneys general, filed a motion for a preliminary injunction aimed at preserving billions in federal assistance vital to local programs and projects across the country. The request stems from the ongoing case New York v. Trump, where the coalition earlier secured a temporary restraining order to halt the Trump Administration’s attempt to freeze or pause nearly $3 trillion in federally allocated funds.

In addition to the injunction request, the attorneys general are also asking the court to enforce the existing January 30, 2025 restraining order, contending that the funding remains stalled, jeopardizing critical programs. With federal budgets uncertain, states, counties, and municipalities may be forced to curtail or shutter essential initiatives that rely heavily on these federal dollars, including Medicaid, Head Start, law enforcement operations, and infrastructure improvements.

“The lawsuit filed by New Jersey and other states yielded a swift ruling from the Court that the Trump Administration cannot freeze funding for education, basic healthcare, law enforcement, and basic infrastructure. Given that the Trump Administration continues to withhold critical funding that go towards reducing energy costs for everyday New Jerseyans and supports our roadways and infrastructure, continued court intervention is needed to ensure that the rule of law is followed,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We will continue to fight these illegal actions until all funds New Jersey is entitled to are restored.”

According to the motion, continued delays or cuts in federal assistance could lead to cash shortfalls in multiple states. Among the public programs that risk immediate harm are:

• Health Care: Medicaid and other health services, which support millions of low-income families.
• Education: Funding for early childhood education, including Head Start, plus grants assisting K-12 public schools and special education.
• Infrastructure: Transportation and public works projects that sustain roads, bridges, transit systems, and utility upgrades.
• Law Enforcement: Efforts to bolster police departments, crime prevention programs, and community policing initiatives.

Court Action and Coalition Goals

The temporary restraining order remains in effect but expires soon unless the court grants an injunction. Today’s filing underscores the irreparable harm if these funds remain withheld:

• Massive Budget Gaps: Delays in transferring billions could disrupt local economies and hamper timely delivery of essential services.
• Legal Violations: The states argue that the attempt to place new conditions on already-allocated federal aid contravenes congressional authority and the U.S. Constitution.

With this motion, AG Platkin and his counterparts seek to secure an injunction that ensures financial resources continue to flow as Congress intended. If successful, the injunction will maintain immediate access to federal funds, stabilizing programs on which millions of Americans rely.

Attorney General Platkin is joined by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Together, they emphasize that withheld federal support not only undermines state and local budgets but also threatens the health, welfare, and economic well-being of residents across the country.

To learn more about the case’s latest developments, visit the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office or review court documents regarding New York v. Trump.

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