Trump Administration Rescinds OMB Memo, But Not The Policy; Tong Is Not Convinced
by Karla Ciaglo CTNewsJunkie
Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy held a news briefing Wednesday to address the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze federal funding and its potential impact on the state.
During the briefing via video conference, Blumenthal and Murphy described the freeze as a major challenge, citing a series of executive actions that included a hiring freeze, cuts to federal subsidies, and the suspension of federal grants. According to the senators, these measures could have far-reaching consequences for Connecticut residents who rely on federally funded programs.
The funding freeze, ordered by the Trump administration late Monday, Jan. 27, would pause hundreds of billions of dollars in federal grants and loans while officials review their alignment with the administration’s policy priorities.
However, the directive faced immediate legal challenges from nonprofits and state attorneys general, who argued the Trump administration had violated constitutional principles because the funds were already approved by Congress. Tuesday, only minutes before the memo’s 5 p.m. deadline, a federal judge temporarily blocked the order, setting the stage for a legal battle. A court hearing is scheduled for Monday, Feb.3, during which the administration is expected to argue that it has the authority to suspend congressionally approved spending.
Following 24 hours of loud backlash from across the nation, the Trump administration announced this afternoon (Wednesday, Jan. 29) that it had rescinded the Office of Management and Budget’s memo regarding the freeze, but not the policy itself. What that means in practice is not clear, other than a statement on social media by Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, saying the president’s executive order on federal funding remained in full effect.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong was not convinced Trump’s reversal was believable and said he would continue the fight in court.
“I do not for a second believe this threat is over,” Tong said in an emailed statement. “Trump’s actions caused massive confusion and chaos for Connecticut families and across every level of government and our economy. The announcements from the White House today are just more confusion and chaos. We are in court today, and we are going to stay there for as long as it takes to protect Connecticut families and our state.”
Blumenthal also released a statement about the White House’s apparent effort to walk back its announcement.
“As I said before, if they did it once, they can do it again – and it looks like they already have,” Blumenthal said in an emailed statement. “This federal funding freeze is theft and corruption – looting community health centers and domestic violence shelters to finance tax cuts for billionaires. These reckless actions amount to a seizure of power putting our nation on a path to tyranny. More than ever, we will need Americans in red states and blue states to be vigilant and vigorous in protecting our democracy. These whiplash reversals only exacerbate the confusion and chaos – and amplify disruption and damage to essential services.”
Earlier Wednesday on their briefing call, Blumenthal and Murphy had expressed deep concern over how the freeze would impact Connecticut, particularly essential services such as housing assistance, healthcare programs, and educational initiatives. They warned that without federal funding, many programs could face delays or disruptions, impacting vulnerable populations across the state. As the legal fight unfolds, the senators pledged to advocate for restoring funding and protecting services upon which thousands of Connecticut residents depend.
“It is creating confusion and anxiety among beneficiaries of federal funds across Connecticut, from healthcare providers to veterans to those relying on housing subsidies,” Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal stressed the growing uncertainty within organizations that depend on federal grants, including health centers, food programs, and other critical services. He spoke with individuals from organizations such as the Community Health Center and Connecticut Food Share, who expressed concerns over being unable to meet payrolls and maintain services without the necessary funding.
“Whether you are a researcher at UConn, a teacher in a public school, or someone depending on emergency services, these cuts will affect everyone,” Blumenthal added.
Murphy also addressed the issue, saying that the funding freeze would impact both blue and red states alike, noting that it was not limited to states that supported Kamala Harris in the previous election. “This is not about politics; it’s about ensuring that necessary services continue,” Murphy stated.
Both senators stressed that these cuts would have significant long-term consequences, citing examples such as delays in the construction of a West Haven VA facility, which would increase costs, and the suspension of childcare programs, which could lead to additional challenges for working families.
They also warned of the broader implications, including potential disruptions to veterans’ healthcare, public safety, and disaster relief funding. “If the funding freeze continues, many essential services will be delayed, resulting in rising costs and increased hardship,” Murphy explained.
In response to the freeze, Blumenthal and Murphy are actively campaigning against the executive order. They have called for increased public awareness and mobilization across the country, reaching out to both Republicans and Democrats.
“In the meantime, here, we have begun an active campaign. We’re voting as though our lives depend on it, because our lives do depend on it, and I can pledge to the people of Connecticut that we are going to work as a team, as we always have in our delegation, to do everything we can to stop this illegal, unjustified action,” Murphy added.
“We are going to fight this,” Blumenthal said. “We will work together with our colleagues and partners across the country to stop this action.”
Both raised significant concerns, particularly regarding its implications for constitutional principles.
Blumenthal pointed out, “I’m hoping the courts will stop him,” emphasizing the critical role of the judiciary in protecting the rule of law. He stressed, “The Constitution clearly gives the power of the purse to Congress. He’s seizing it like an autocrat,” drawing attention to the president’s overreach.
“The courts will continue to judge this action to be what it is, illegal, unconstitutional,” Murphy stated, but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, given that “Trump packed the Supreme Court with his allies.”
Both senators raised an alarm about the president’s stance that his election entitles him to “disobey the courts,” suggesting that this could lead to a breakdown in the checks and balances vital to democratic governance.