What the judge ordered
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian issued a Temporary Restraining Order blocking the Biden administration from cutting about $10 billion in federal welfare funds to California, New York, Illinois, Minnesota and Colorado. The order lasts two weeks so both sides can file more extensive legal briefs. That pause keeps payments from three programs flowing: Child Care Development Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Social Services Block Grants.
Why the administration acted
The Biden administration, through the Department of Health and Human Services under President Trump’s direction, told the five states they would lose targeted payments because of alleged widespread fraud and waste in how the states run certain welfare programs. Officials also requested detailed records from the states about program administration, saying they need evidence to back up the decision to withhold funds.
How the states responded
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the other Democratic attorneys general quickly filed suit and asked the court for an emergency injunction. Their argument was simple. Cutting the funds now would cause immediate harm to families and service providers who depend on the federal money, so a judge should step in while the legal fight plays out.
Politics and the courts
Yes, Judge Subramanian was appointed by President Biden, which makes headlines and prompts questions about timing and motive. Still, the TRO is a routine tool to prevent harm while the court evaluates legal claims. Expect a more detailed legal battle over federal authority, state administration and the evidence the administration says it has about fraud.
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JIMMY
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IN on the Fraud day 1