Democratic governors are taking a stand against President Trump’s blatant attempt to block funding meant for their states. On Thursday, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) filed a lawsuit, accusing the Trump administration of illegally freezing critical federal grant money—despite court orders saying otherwise.
As of today, Pennsylvania is still waiting on over $1.2 billion in suspended grant funds, with another $900 million in limbo. This money is meant to support essential services, but Trump’s administration refuses to release it.
“Governor Josh Shapiro and members of Pennsylvania’s agencies have been working with federal partners and legislators to try to fully restore access to these funds,” the complaint states. “Despite that work, and despite two temporary restraining orders requiring federal agencies to restore access to suspended funds, federal agencies continue to deny Pennsylvania agencies funding that they are entitled to receive.”
This is far from the first time the Trump administration has been slapped down by the courts on this issue. Two judges have already issued temporary restraining orders that block the funding freeze. These rulings were in response to lawsuits filed by Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and several private organizations.
Shapiro’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, adds fuel to an already blazing fire of legal battles. His challenge makes this the third major case against Trump’s freeze and is part of nearly 70 legal actions targeting the administration since day one.
Shapiro isn’t alone. On the same day, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) jumped into the fight, joining the existing lawsuit from the 22 Democratic AGs. Neither Kentucky nor Pennsylvania had been part of the legal challenges before, as both states have Republican attorneys general.
“Over two weeks ago, the Trump Administration issued a directive freezing federal dollars that were legally appropriated by Congress to states,” Shapiro pointed out. “That funding is committed to serious needs, like reclaiming abandoned minelands to prevent sinkholes, plugging orphaned and abandoned wells, helping lower consumers’ utility bills, and more.”
It’s clear: the Trump administration’s refusal to release these funds isn’t just a political stunt—it’s a direct threat to vital state services and the people who rely on them.
