Judge Blocks Trump’s ‘Lawless’ Order on Transportation Funds

UPDATE: A federal judge has delivered a significant blow to President Donald Trump, blocking his administration from withholding vital transportation funds from states that do not comply with federal immigration priorities. The ruling, announced on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, imposes a permanent injunction against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), marking a major legal defeat for the Trump administration.

U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. declared that the administration had “blatantly overstepped” its authority by imposing immigration-related conditions on federal funding. McConnell emphasized, “None of the statutes cited by DOT expressly afford it the kind of sweeping authority it claims,” highlighting the legal overreach in the directive issued by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by a coalition of 20 states, led by California, in May 2023. The lawsuit challenged Duffy’s directive, which mandated states to meet certain immigration criteria to access congressionally approved transportation funds. Duffy argued that these conditions were necessary to enforce federal laws, stating, “It shouldn’t be controversial — enforce our immigration rules, end anti-American DEI policies, and protect free speech.”

Judge McConnell’s decision not only rebuffs the Trump administration’s stance but also reinforces the principle that federal grants should not be contingent upon adherence to immigration enforcement. He stated, “Had Congress wished to try to make federal transportation funding contingent on cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement, it could certainly have attempted to do so.”

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha praised the ruling, asserting that the ability of citizens to travel safely should not depend on the “political whims of one man.” His statement underscores the human impact of this legal decision, emphasizing the importance of stable and accessible transportation systems for everyday citizens.

This ruling follows another recent setback for the Trump administration, where McConnell ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to utilize contingency funds to prevent disruptions in benefits for households relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The USDA has since promised to deliver partial payments to beneficiaries, as concerns grow over funding lapses amid ongoing governmental disputes.

As this situation unfolds, the implications of McConnell’s ruling are significant. Observers will be watching closely to see how the Trump administration responds and whether further legal challenges are anticipated. This case not only affects transportation funding but could set a precedent for how federal funds are distributed in relation to immigration enforcement.

The urgency of this ruling resonates deeply, as it addresses critical issues of governance, state rights, and the balance of power within federal agencies. With ongoing discussions about immigration and federal funding, the ripple effects of this decision are likely to reverberate through the political landscape in the coming days.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.