Trump administration says it is withholding social safety net funding in five states

HHS announced the administration is withholding federal funding for social safety net programs in five Democratic-led states over alleged fraud; by Tuesday those states had not received formal notices and New York said it is prepared to challenge the move in court.

The administration announced it is withholding federal money for programs that support families with children in five Democratic-led states, citing concerns about fraud. Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services described the action as a response to alleged improper payments but have not released detailed evidence. State officials said they had not received broad formal notices by Tuesday and at least one state said it would be prepared to contest the decision in court. Known details: - The states named are California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York. - Programs identified as affected include child care subsidies, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (cash and job support), and the Social Services Block Grant. - HHS and a White House budget official said the move is tied to fraud concerns, but the administration has not provided detailed data in the announcement. - Several states reported they had not received formal written notice by Tuesday and New York’s governor said the state was prepared to seek a court challenge. Summary: The pause targets funding that supports child care, cash assistance and local social services in the five states. State leaders reported no formal notice and at least one state has said it will be ready to sue. Undetermined at this time.