Judge John McConnell ’80 requested the attorneys general draft an order to protect individuals and institutions that rely on federal funding.

More than 23 states are seeking a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration over its effort to freeze federal funds.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell said statements from the White House had undercut its attempt to rescind the memo ordering the spending freeze.

A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general announced legal action against the White House budget office Tuesday over its directive to freeze federal assistance while reviewing whether government spending aligns with President Trump’s agenda.

A judge in Washington, D.C., sided with plaintiffs who claimed the White House’s freezing of billions of dollars in congressionally-approved funding violated the law.

The Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded a sweeping directive to pause federal loans, grants, and other financial assistance, just hours before it was due in court to defend the policy for a second consecutive day, a White House official said.

A U.S. judge is considering blocking the Trump administration's pause on federal financial aid, responding to Democrats' concerns over spending policy. The judge has requested attorneys general to draft a restraining order following the White House's partial withdrawal of its controversial funding freeze directive.

The Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded a sweeping directive to pause federal loans, grants and other financial assistance, a White House official said, just shortly before it was set to appear in court for a second straight day to defend the policy.

The order sparked uncertainty over a crucial financial lifeline for states, schools and organizations that rely on trillions of dollars from Washington.