Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said on Mar. 17 that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has largely upheld a lower court order blocking the Trump Administration’s attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding to states.
The decision is significant because it protects state programs that rely on federal funds, including health care, childcare, public schools, and infrastructure projects. The ruling means these services can continue without interruption while legal challenges proceed.
“This victory ensures that critical state programs providing services like health care, childcare, support for public schools, infrastructure improvements, and so much more can continue to function and serve our residents,” Campbell said. “This win also affirms what has long been enshrined in our laws and Constitution: that the President cannot override Congress’s power to decide how federal funds are spent. I will continue to hold this Administration accountable when it recklessly abuses its power, especially when those actions harm our residents and state economy.”
In January 2025, Campbell co-led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the implementation of a new federal policy aimed at withholding essential funding from states. The preliminary injunction blocking this policy was granted in March 2025. The First Circuit’s recent decision largely affirms that earlier court order.
The outcome could have broader implications for future disputes over executive authority regarding allocation of federal funds and may set precedent for how similar cases are handled moving forward.
