Judge continues to block Trump administration's freeze on federal assistance

Washington — A federal judge on Tuesday continued to block the Office of Management and Budget from freezing federal assistance, delivering another blow to the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to shrink federal spending.

Judge Loren AliKhan from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of a group of nonprofit organizations in finding that they are likely to succeed in their challenge to the pause on all federal grants, loans and other federal assistance programs. The judge found that the nonprofits proved that the "funding freeze would be economically catastrophic — and in some circumstances, fatal — to their members" and agreed to grant their request for a preliminary injunction while the case plays out.

AliKhan had previously issued a temporary restraining order that prevented the Trump administration from freezing federal assistance while she considered the nonprofits' request for injunctive relief. The judge held a hearing on their motion last week.