Updates on the Trump Federal Grant Freeze Announcement

I know the last couple of days have been challenging thanks to President Trump’s attempt to illegally freeze federal funding, so I wanted to give you an update on this cruel effort to strip Virginians of their most basic needs. The good news is that our pushback worked. After two days of chaos and confusion, the Trump administration rescinded their unlawful directive this afternoon after a federal judge temporarily blocked the enforcement of this order shortly before it was scheduled to go into effect.

Let me be clear: this reversal from the Trump administration would not have happened without our collective efforts to fight back. Since Monday, I have heard from hundreds of Virginians, like you, who shared personal stories of confusion, shock, and fear over the impact of President Trump’s unlawful order to withhold federal funding approved by Congress. This funding supports Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth – whether it’s disaster assistance in Southwest… domestic violence shelters in Richmond… veteran suicide prevention organizations in the Shenandoah Valley… or food banks in Hampton Roads.

While we can declare victory for now, this fight is far from over. Please use this form if you want to hear updates from my office about this situation or let us know how you would be impacted by this policy. The president has issued several Executive Orders that will likely freeze various buckets of funding, including some meant directly for Virginia from both the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. This administration may also pursue other avenues to withhold or repurpose other lawfully appropriated funding that supports many Virginians like you.

Please know I will never let up when the Trump administration attempts to circumvent the law to hurt Virginians. Congress approves federal funding on a bipartisan basis, and I am committed to fighting so that Virginia receives every dollar it rightfully deserves.

You can also view my comments on the Senate floor on this situation below: