PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes has joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in filing a second motion for enforcement in an ongoing lawsuit against the Trump administration’s illegal freeze of federal funding. Despite multiple court orders, the administration has continued to block hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants, threatening wildfire prevention, flood mitigation, and emergency preparedness programs across the country.
Attorney General Mayes: FEMA Funding Must Be Released
“The Trump administration is blatantly ignoring court orders and continuing to withhold critical FEMA funds that states rely on for wildfire prevention, flood mitigation, and emergency response,” said Attorney General Mayes. “This is illegal, dangerous, and puts lives at risk. Along with my fellow attorneys general, we are taking action to force the administration to comply with the law and release these vital funds immediately.”
Timeline of the Legal Fight
- January 28, 2025: Attorney General Mayes and a coalition of attorneys general sued the administration over the funding freeze.
- January 31, 2025: The court granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), blocking the freeze’s implementation.
- February 7, 2025: The coalition filed motions for enforcement and a preliminary injunction to preserve critical federal funds.
- February 8, 2025: The court ordered the administration to comply with the TRO and stop freezing funds.
- February 28, 2025: Despite the court’s order, the Trump administration continues withholding FEMA funds, leading to the second motion for enforcement.
Why FEMA Grants Are Critical for Arizona and Other States
The ongoing funding freeze has severely impacted state and local emergency response efforts, preventing agencies from:
- Combating wildfires and implementing fire prevention measures
- Mitigating flood risks and reinforcing critical infrastructure
- Enhancing cybersecurity efforts to protect against attacks
- Supporting first responders and emergency response teams
The coalition’s second motion, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, seeks a court order requiring the release of funds if the Trump administration cannot prove they have been unfrozen.
Coalition of Attorneys General Fighting Back
This multi-state lawsuit is being led by attorneys general from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, with support from:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- District of Columbia
Attorney General Mayes remains committed to holding the Trump administration accountable and ensuring that Arizona receives the emergency funding it is owed.
