Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, August 21, 2024. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
The Trump administration has called the legal challenges to Trump’s executive orders "an attempt to undermine the will of the American people." The White House on Thursday dismissed Shapiro’s lawsuit as an extension of the "Left’s resistance."
"Radical Leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda. These lawsuits are nothing more than an extension of the Left’s resistance — and the Trump Administration is ready to face them in court," White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields said.
WHITE HOUSE STILL COMMITTED TO FREEZING ‘WOKE’ FUNDS DESPITE RESCINDING OMB MEMO
Shapiro said federal funding could jeopardize Pennsylvania projects, including "reclaiming abandoned mine land, capping and plugging orphan wells, and lowering consumer costs." Meanwhile, the Commonwealth is incurring debt on federally approved projects.
Pennsylvania has joined at least 23 states and Washington, D.C., who have sued the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds. Federal judges have issued a temporary restraining order to block the funding freeze in states with litigation against the Trump administration. Because Pennsylvania did not sue the Trump administration to unfreeze funds, they were not impacted by the order releasing funds.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on February 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. After signing a series of executive orders and proclamations, Trump spoke to reporters about a range of topics including recent negotiations with Mexico on tariffs. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Democratic groups quickly came out in support of Shapiro's lawsuit.
"We strongly support Governor Shapiro’s action to protect Pennsylvanians, support communities and cut costs by challenging this funding freeze. Blocking these critical funds is an unacceptable attack on Pennsylvania families, communities and economic stability. These funds were legally approved by Congress and are crucial to supporting working families, rural communities and public safety initiatives across the commonwealth," the Pennsylvania House Democrats said in a statement.
Evergreen Action, a progressive climate action organization, applauded Shapiro for standing up for Pennsylvanians.
"Pennsylvania and its communities, businesses, and local governments must regain access to their funds immediately and be freed from this chaos and uncertainty. We are grateful for the governor’s leadership and hope these critical funds are soon able to reach the people who need them most," Evergreen Action Deputy State Policy Director, Julia Kortrey, said.
Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/shapiro-latest-democrat-suing-unconstitutional-trump-admin