Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Withholding Funds from 11 Jurisdictions, Joins Pushback

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 25, 2025CONTACTJennifer "JLor" [email protected](651) 417-9454SAINT PAUL-A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from imposing new conditions on federal grants that threatened critical funding for the City of Saint Paul and ten other jurisdictions.In late August, the City of Saint Paul joined a coalition of cities and counties, led by Fresno, California, to challenge the Trump administration's attempt to punish local governments that didn't follow vague federal directives in several executive orders. On Tuesday, Chief District Court Judge Richard Seeborg of the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the administration from enforcing its funding threats while the case moves forward. The decision follows an earlier restraining order he issued from the bench, citing excessive interjection in the federal grants process."The court's decision affirms what we have always stood for: local control, the rule of the law, and the constitutional separation of powers," said Mayor Carter. "Saint Paul depends on federal resources to support housing, transit, public safety, and community health. Our responsibility to fight to protect our residents will not cease no matter the president's politically motivated interference."The Trump administration's actions threatened to withhold millions in federal funding-including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), transportation funding, and housing support-unless cities like Saint Paul complied with undefined mandates tied to executive orders. These new conditions exceed the statutory authority given to federal agencies by Congress."This isn't about politics - it's about the integrity of our democracy and our ability to serve our residents," said City Attorney Lyndsey Olson. "Federal funds must be distributed according to the law, not political agendas."The court's injunction ensures that, for now, federal funds already allocated to cities cannot be restricted under new and unlawful conditions.

Last Edited: September 25, 2025