Attorneys general sue Trump administration over benefits freeze

Five Democratic-led states have sued the Trump administration after it announced a freeze on funds for several public benefit programs; the suit asks a federal court to order those funds released.

Attorneys general from five Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit after the federal government announced a freeze on funds for several public benefit programs. The administration said it acted because of concerns about fraud in programs intended to help low-income families and children. The states — California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York — filed the suit Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit asks the court to order the release of the withheld funds and characterizes the freeze as an unconstitutional abuse of power. Key facts: - The administration announced a freeze on funds for multiple public benefit programs, citing fraud concerns. - Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. - The lawsuit requests that the court order the administration to release the withheld funds and labels the freeze unconstitutional. Summary: The dispute focuses on whether the federal government may withhold funds for these benefit programs and on the states' request that a court compel release of the money. Undetermined at this time.