Statement on Emergency Order Issued to Prevent Trump’s Unconstitutional Conditioning of Funds to Combat Homelessness 

“Today, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a temporary restraining order directing the Trump Administration to immediately stop its efforts to place unconstitutional conditions on federal funding awarded to local governments to combat homelessness. 

“The Judge’s Order reflects the arguments we presented in our case – Congress is the only branch of government authorized to make changes to spending, not the president or the executive branch. In placing conditions on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants, the Trump Administration is asserting executive power that it does not have. 

“Today, the Court acknowledged the harm being caused to local governments if they are unable to access awarded grant funding to support the needs of people experiencing homelessness. This funding provides critical rental assistance and supportive housing services for countless families, young adults, survivors of domestic violence, and people with disabilities here in Santa Clara County.

“We refuse to let the Trump Administration bully local governments into complying with its political agenda. The Court’s action today grants an emergency restraining order as we continue to seek permanent relief.” 

-- Statement from County Counsel Tony LoPresti 

About the Case

The case is Martin Luther King, Jr. County, et al., v. Scott Turner, et al. The County of Santa Clara jointly filed the lawsuit along with seven other local jurisdictions, including San Francisco and King County, Washington. The original complaint is available online.