Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Mar. 17 that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit has largely upheld a lower court’s order blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding to states.
The decision is significant because it maintains access to essential federal resources that support health care, education, and public safety programs across Illinois and other states. The ruling comes after a coalition of attorneys general, co-led by Raoul, challenged the policy shortly after President Trump’s second term began.
“This is a huge win for the health and safety of Illinoisans and all Americans. Within the first week of President Trump’s second term, his administration attempted to freeze trillions of dollars that they did not have the legal authority to freeze. We pushed back. We said no. We came together under the direction of the law to ensure the Trump administration could not take action that could have a devastating impact on funding for our state’s most vulnerable residents,” Raoul said.
Raoul also stated, “The U.S. Constitution is clear: Congress is granted the power to appropriate funding. The executive branch cannot unilaterally disregard appropriations passed by a separate branch of government. Now, the court’s opinion prevents the executive from running roughshod over that principle. Blocking this freeze ensures our residents, including our children, are safe with access to health care, childcare, lifesaving medical research, mental health programs and sex education in public schools, and crime victim compensation.”
He added that federal funding supports Illinois universities through National Institutes of Health grants for developing new medical treatments: “I applaud the court’s decision and will continue to fight any reckless and illegal efforts that threaten this essential funding for the health and safety of our residents.”
In January 2025, Raoul led a group of 22 attorneys general in filing suit against the policy; he secured an initial injunction in March 2025 before this latest appellate affirmation.
The Illinois Attorney General has advocated for vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. The office handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website and aims to protect consumers while promoting safer communities as well as environmental and rights issues according to its official website. Its advocacy extends throughout Illinois according to its official website, partnering with law enforcement agencies in support of crime victims and open government initiatives according to its official website. Services offered include complaint filing related to consumer fraud or civil rights matters according to its official website.
The broader implications suggest continued judicial oversight over executive actions regarding federal appropriations may affect how future administrations approach similar policies.