AG Brown releases statement on First Circuit decision upholding block on Trump administration funding freeze

# Court Upholds Block on Trump Administration Funding Freeze

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit largely upheld a lower court order blocking the Trump administration's effort to categorically freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding to states. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, who led the legal challenge, stated that the court's decision affirmed that the funding freeze was illegal.

In January 2025, Brown joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to prevent implementation of the federal policy that would have withheld funding affecting essential public services. A preliminary injunction blocking the policy was granted in March 2025. The appellate court's decision largely affirmed that injunction.

Brown indicated the case is part of a broader effort, noting his office has filed over 50 cases against the administration since this funding freeze case began. "Follow the damn law," Brown said in response to the court's ruling.