Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration’s Restrictions on Services for Survivors, LGBTQI+ Youth, and Unhoused People

A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump-Vance administration from enforcing new restrictions on federal grant programs managed by the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The ruling, issued in Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence v. Kennedy, prevents the administration from imposing conditions that advocacy groups argue would have endangered essential services for survivors of violence, LGBTQI+ youth, and unhoused communities.

A Democracy Forward press release explained that the court granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of a coalition of service providers and advocacy organizations. Plaintiffs are expected to submit a proposal defining the scope of the TRO, particularly for organizations that would have been forced to accept the new conditions by July 30. The blocked rules had sought to restrict funding for programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as support for transgender individuals.

The lawsuit was filed by a broad coalition, including more than 20 domestic violence and homelessness organizations from across the country. Among them are the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, ValorUS, Violence Free Minnesota, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. These groups argued the new rules would have forced them to either censor inclusive practices or risk losing federal support.

In a joint statement, the plaintiffs welcomed the decision, calling it a vital measure to protect life-saving services from political interference. 

“We welcome the court’s decision to grant our motion to halt the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful and dangerous funding restrictions… our organizations exist to serve everyone with compassion and equity,” they stated. “We will not be forced to choose between our values and mission and the communities we serve.” The plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward, the National Women’s Law Center, the ACLU Foundation of Rhode Island, Jacobson Lawyers Group, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island.