Mayes and State Attorneys General Sue Over Trump’s Halt on Federal Aid
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joins 21 states in challenging Trump administration's pause on federal funding, fearing harm to vulnerable communities.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes isn’t sitting on the sidelines. She’s joined 21 other states in a legal battle against the Trump administration’s plan to pause federal funding for critical programs. And her message? This isn’t just about politics—it’s about people.
Standing Up for Vulnerable Communities
In a heartfelt news conference, Mayes painted a clear picture of what’s at stake. Programs that help low-income families pay their utility bills and afford child care could see their funding dry up. This, she emphasized, would hurt the very people who trusted Trump when they voted for him.
“These cuts will immediately and irreparably harm the people who need help the most,” Mayes said.
She didn’t stop there. Mayes pointed out a glaring contradiction: while Trump calls drug cartels “terrorist organizations,” his funding pause could hinder efforts to combat trafficking in Arizona.
What’s Behind the Pause?
The White House budget office announced a two-week halt on federal grants and assistance, saying it’s meant to ensure spending aligns with the administration’s priorities. According to Matthew Vaeth, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, this includes scrutinizing funds tied to foreign aid, environmental initiatives, and diversity programs.
But the announcement sent shockwaves through state governments. Leaders scrambled to understand the implications, while Democratic officials, including Mayes, pushed back hard.
Dire Consequences for Arizona
Mayes didn’t mince words about the potential fallout for Arizona’s rural communities. “Without these services, rural Arizonans are going to die,” she warned, referencing hospitals and health clinics that rely on federal funding.
Although the White House later clarified that essential programs like food stamps, Social Security, and Medicare wouldn’t be impacted, the uncertainty surrounding other funding streams has left states on edge.
Two Lawsuits, One Fight
Mayes has joined a broader coalition of states challenging the legality of the funding pause. They argue it violates federal law and the Constitution. Meanwhile, another lawsuit, filed by nonprofits and small business groups, is also in motion.
Mayes made it clear: “Any pause that hinders our ability to fight the fentanyl crisis or combat drug cartels is unacceptable and causes real harm to Arizonans.”
A Track Record of Action
This isn’t Mayes’ first legal face-off with the Trump administration. Just last week, she and other attorneys general successfully blocked an executive order ending automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents—a move a federal judge deemed “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Why This Matters
At its core, this battle is about standing up for those who rely on these vital programs. Whether it’s keeping the lights on, providing child care, or fighting the opioid epidemic, Mayes is making it clear: Arizona won’t back down.
