A federal judge who once gave significant financial support to Democratic campaigns has blocked President Donald Trump’s move to reevaluate federal spending. Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who was appointed to the bench by Barack Obama, issued a ruling on Monday requiring the administration to release billions in funds that had been temporarily halted.
McConnell’s latest ruling enforces his temporary restraining order (TRO) from January, which prevented the administration from delaying certain federal disbursements. The Trump administration had argued that reviewing spending was necessary to align federal resources with its policy priorities. McConnell disagreed, ruling that the hold violated congressional authority and must be reversed immediately.
McConnell’s history as a major Democratic donor has led to criticism of his impartiality. Before becoming a judge, he contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic candidates, including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton. He also directed funds to Democratic-aligned PACs and multiple congressional campaigns, raising concerns about his role in politically sensitive cases.
Beyond his donations, McConnell has been involved in legal discussions that align with progressive causes. In 2022, he played a role in organizing a judicial conference that promoted discussions on critical race theory. The event explored how systemic advantages in law affect the justice system, drawing pushback from conservatives who see such initiatives as politically driven.
The Trump administration has announced plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the executive branch has the right to review and reassess government spending. However, Democratic officials insist that McConnell’s decision must be followed immediately, saying the administration has already delayed the release of funds despite the initial court order.
McConnell’s past financial backing of key Democratic figures, including Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), has fueled further speculation about his rulings. His judicial decisions remain under scrutiny as the legal fight over federal spending continues.
