Judge: FEMA “Covertly” Withheld Aid For Blue States

Courthouse News reports:

A federal judge on Friday ruled that the Trump administration had violated his order to halt sweeping freezes to federal funding by withholding Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to at least 19 states. It seemed to be a “covert” effort to punish states with so-called sanctuary laws for immigrants, the judge said.

In March, U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued a preliminary injunction in favor of 23 states that sued the government over its plan to implement a broad pause to state aid.

But on Friday, McConnell found the Trump administration in breach of the court’s order. At least 19 states — all with Democratic attorney generals, and all of which had sued to stop the funding cuts — “presented undisputed evidence” that they were not receiving congressionally approved FEMA funding from the federal government, the judge ruled.

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NEW: The Trump Admin has been “covertly” withholding FEMA funds from Democratic states, seemingly as retaliation for sanctuary laws, a judge ruled.

Hawaii is missing $6 million for widlfire aid. Oregon is waiting on $129 million for disaster prevention.https://t.co/7V0Cb62iNJ

— Erik Uebelacker (@Uebey) April 4, 2025