Summary
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration acted unconstitutionally by canceling energy grants, affecting mostly states that did not support President Trump in the 2024 election. The Department of Energy must now restore $27.6 million in grants to seven specific projects. The judge found that the administration discriminated based on political affiliation of the states where the grants were canceled.
Key Facts
- A federal judge found the cancellation of approximately $8 billion in energy grants violated the Constitution.
- The cancellations mostly affected projects in states that voted against President Trump in 2024.
- U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta said this violated the Fifth Amendment's promise of equal protection.
- The judge's ruling orders the restoration of seven grants totaling $27.6 million.
- Grants aimed at environmental projects were mainly affected, such as electric vehicle development and energy efficiency.
- The Department of Energy was involved in these decisions, following an announcement by the Office of Management and Budget.
- The pattern showed consistent termination of grants in blue (Democratic-leaning) states, while similar grants in red (Republican-leaning) states continued.
