Judge orders Trump to release electric vehicle funds to states

On June 25, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, a federal judge ruled against the Trump administration, ordering it to unfreeze billions of dollars allocated for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This funding was approved through President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and designated to assist states in developing their EV charging networks. The case stemmed from a lawsuit filed by 16 states and the District of Columbia contesting the Trump administration's actions to halt the distribution of these vital funds. Judge Tana Lin found that Trump overstepped his constitutional authority by disrupting the funding process, which violated the separation of powers doctrine established by the Constitution. With this ruling, the judge granted a partial preliminary injunction that allowed funding to proceed to 14 states, including populous regions such as California and New York, while denying requests from Minnesota, Vermont, and D.C. for failing to demonstrate significant harm. The Trump administration previously enacted an executive order on his first day in office, pausing grant disbursements that were already approved, asserting a need to review the program's guidance to fit the new administration's policy goals. This action prompted significant backlash, with states arguing that freezing these funds would lead to delayed projects, job losses, and economic turmoil. California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, publicly condemned the Trump administration, claiming that they were prioritizing fossil fuel interests over investments in clean energy infrastructure, specifically impacting California's financial planning due to the lack of EV resources. The ruling emphasizes the judiciary's role in preserving the legislative powers assigned to Congress, reinforcing that the Executive Branch cannot unilaterally dismiss approved programs. Judge Lin's injunction will take effect on July 2, 2025, unless the Trump administration files an appeal.