Federal judge rules Trump administration cannot reallocate billions meant for disaster mitigation
August 5, 2025
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from reallocating more than $4 billion meant to help communities protect against natural disasters. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns on Tuesday granted a preliminary injunction sought by 20 Democrat-led states while their lawsuit over the funding moves ahead. The states argue the Federal Emergency Management Agency lacks the authority to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and redirect more than $4 billion of its funding. The program aims to harden infrastructure around the country against potential storm damage. Noting money for the program was allocated by Congress, the states say any attempt to redirect it would run afoul of the Constitution.