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Jul 17, 2026 · Archive
Politics

Massachusetts Court Voids Trump's Five-Word Grant-Cutting Clause

The ruling permanently bars federal agencies from citing that clause to cancel already-awarded DOJ, EPA and Labor Department funding.

  • California's Rob Bonta led the 24-state coalition that filed the underlying lawsuit.
  • The voided subclause reads five words: "no longer effectuates agency priorities."
  • Funding covered policing equipment, drinking water, medical research and unemployment benefits nationwide.

Why it matters: Congress appropriates the money; a five-word regulatory clause let agencies decide who actually receives it.

California Attorney General's Office (Rob Bonta) press release on U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruling ↗ · Jul 17, 20267/17/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check