Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a letter Tuesday asking White House To release $1.88 billion in approved federal funds, he said the Trump administration is withhelding.
Pritzker, president’s outspoken critic Donald TrumpIn a letter to Russel Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), said nearly $2 billion in federal funds “are passed by Congress, signed into law and promised to sign with Illinois.”
“We are obliged to ask Illinois taxpayers and residents for answers about the future of this funding, including when the Trump administration will comply with the law and treat the federal government’s commitment to sending hard-earned taxpayers back to Illinois’ economy, labor, labor and community,” the letter said.
The letter noted that nine Illinois agencies, boards and committees were unable to obtain $692 million in their obligations, but had not yet obtained from the federal government. Ten state entities are expected to have another $1.19 billion in federal funds yet to be obligated, and grants or programs are “basically suspended.”
While the letter does not specify which state agencies and other entities should receive the funds, it shares some details about which programs are affected.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker posted his annual budget address at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield, Illinois on February 19, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune via AP, swimming pool)
“These frozen funds affect the plan, Small Businessprovide affordable solar energy for low-income residents, improve roads and bridges, and more. ”
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President Donald Trump speaks at a cabinet meeting in the White House in Washington on Tuesday, February 26, 2025. (via AP pool)
White House Office of Management and Budget directs agencies to comply with federal funding on January 27 Trump’s execution order. Federal judges have issued temporary restraining orders to prevent funds from being frozen, but only states that file lawsuits against the Trump administration will be able to obtain future funds.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Deirdre Heaven of Fox News Digital contributed to the report.
