Trump Admin’s Aid Freeze Challenged by NY AG

New York – In a bold move against the Trump administration’s controversial policy decisions, New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined 23 other state attorneys general in challenging the authority to halt billions of dollars in funding for critical foreign assistance programs. This lawsuit targets the illegal attempts by the former administration to shut down funds at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department.

In an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Attorney General James argues that the president cannot unilaterally refuse spending funds Congress has already allocated. This move threatens to dismantle programs vital for public health, research, and agricultural support, which are crucial in saving lives across the globe.

“Every year, our foreign aid programs bring together America’s small businesses, farmers, and top researchers to help save hundreds of thousands of lives,” said Attorney General James. “This administration does not have the power to arbitrarily gut these lifesaving missions.”

The Trump administration suspended thousands of USAID grants in February 2025, effectively halting programs that provided food aid, shelter for displaced families, and public health initiatives combating diseases such as AIDS and malaria.

USAID has been a cornerstone of global aid for over 60 years, supporting essential programs in more than 100 countries. The administration’s cuts have halted over $550 million in research grants and contracts across the nation, including critical funding for universities in New York conducting vital public health research.

Attorney General James and her coalition assert that Congress, not the president, holds the power to control federal spending as dictated by the Constitution. They argue that allowing the executive branch to withhold funds without Congressional approval would cause chaos across states relying on $1 trillion in federal funding for essential services like Medicaid, education, and law enforcement.

Together with her colleagues, Attorney General James is urging the court to uphold a preliminary injunction order halting the administration’s attempt to withhold USAID funds. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle between states and the Trump administration over the future of foreign aid programs and the balance of power between the branches of government.”