“You have no such power,” judge says, ruling Trump lacked authority to withhold funds in retribution.

“You have no such power,” judge says, ruling Trump lacked authority to withhold funds in retribution.

The news as it trends.

In a surprising turn of events, a federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot withhold federal funds from democratically led cities and states.

This includes sanctuary cities.

Per media reports, the judge emphasized that the administration violated the Constitution. Only Congress has the “power of the purse.”

Sanctuary cities limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These have long been a source of controversy.

The ruling reinforces that executive orders are not royal decrees. They must align with the Constitution and respect the separation of powers.

The case was ruled in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Judge William Orrick blocked the administration’s actions.

He stated that Trump’s executive order to withhold funds violated constitutional principles.

These principles include the separation of powers and the Spending Clause.

The Spending Clause reserves the “power of the purse” for Congress.

Advocates say this ruling is a clear victory for democracy.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of checks and balances in the U.S. government.

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog.