Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The Governor of Illinois has demanded that the White House release $1.88 billion in federal funds that are frozen under a directive from the Trump administration.
Some shit you should know before you read: Back in January, the Trump administration issued a directive that halted all federal financial disbursements, citing the need for a review of government spending and program effectiveness. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implemented the freeze and instructed agencies to withhold funds even if they had already been approved by Congress. The move faced immediate legal challenges, with multiple states filing lawsuits arguing that the administration had no legal authority to unilaterally block funding that had been appropriated and signed into law. Federal judges issued temporary restraining orders against the funding freeze, ruling that only states involved in litigation against the Trump administration could access the unfrozen funds, leaving others, including Illinois, without relief. Despite these rulings, the administration has not fully restored the withheld funds, leading to ongoing disputes over the legality and impact of the freeze.
What’s going on now: In a letter sent to the White House, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker demanded the immediate release of $1.88 billion in federal funds that were approved by Congress but remain frozen. He said that the funding is critical for state agencies, small businesses, and infrastructure projects, warning that the ongoing freeze has already caused significant disruptions. He wrote, “We have an obligation to Illinois taxpayers and residents to demand answers about the future of this funding.” The governor outlined that nine Illinois agencies, boards, and commissions have been unable to access $692 million in obligated federal funds, while ten more state entities are awaiting an additional $1.19 billion that has been awarded but not yet distributed.
According to Pritzker, the funds “provide[d] technical assistance for small businesses, provide affordable solar energy for low-income residents, improve roads and bridges, and more.” He warned that without immediate action, many of these initiatives could face shutdowns, leading to layoffs and economic instability.
As of now, the White House has not commented on the letter.
