Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island John J. McConnell, Jr. granted an injunction from 23 states blocking the Trump administration's "categorical freeze of appropriated and obligated funds.

The states' challenge to Trump's freeze on spending landed in federal court in Rhode Island last month after authorities directed agencies to ensure compliance with the administration’s priorities.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. said the attempt to pause trillions in federal spending "fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government."

Attorneys general in New York and Rhode Island are backing a federal judge's decision to extend a block barring the Trump administration from freezing grants and loans potentially totaling trillions o

The ruling found the move to cut off appropriated funds to state governments “fundamentally undermines” democracy.

"Here, the executive put itself above Congress," a federal judge wrote, issuing a preliminary injunction barring the Trump administration from freezing federal assistance.