Illinois governor says Trump admin withholding $1.88B in approved taxpayer money, amid rift with president

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pressed the White House to release $1.88 billion in approved federal funding that he says the Trump administration is withholding from the state.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivers his annual budget address on Feb. 19, 2025, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.  (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)

"These frozen funds impact programs that provide technical assistance for small businesses, provide affordable solar energy for low-income residents, improve roads and bridges, and more," according to the letter.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Pool via AP)

The White House Office of Management and Budget directed agencies to halt federal funding on Jan. 27 in compliance with Trump's executive orders. Federal judges had issued a temporary restraining order to block the funding freeze, but only states with litigation against the Trump administration were able to access the unfrozen funds.

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The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Deirdre Heavy contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/illinois-governor-says-trump-admin-withholding-1-88b-approved-taxpayer-money-amid-rift-president