Federal judge blocks Trump pause on trillions in grants, loans

A DC federal judge ordered the Trump administration Tuesday to keep distributing trillions in federal assistance, just as a days-long freeze was due to take effect.US District Judge Loren AliKhan issued the temporary restraining order in response to an appeal by a coalition of nonprofit groups almost exactly 24 hours after acting Office of Management and Budget Director Matthew Vaeth ordered agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance.”The Veath memo further admonished agency heads to “identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements.”The order outraged Democrats, who accused the White House of unlawfully refusing to spend money allocated by Congress.This is a developing story.Check back for more information...