Trump administration requests federal funding data for Rhode Island, 13 other states, and D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has instructed most federal agencies to collect detailed information on federal funding sent to 14 states and the District of Columbia, nearly all of which are controlled by Democrats. Officials say the effort is intended to “reduce the improper and fraudulent use” of federal funds.

Sanctuary Cities and Funding Cuts

The directive comes just days after former President Donald Trump announced plans to cut federal funding to states with sanctuary cities. Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions that limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump said the funding cuts would begin February 1, but has not released specific details.

There is no official federal definition of a sanctuary city. The term generally refers to local or state policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

States Included in the Review

The states and jurisdictions included in the data request are:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• District of Columbia

All but Minnesota have Democratic-controlled legislatures, and all but Vermont have Democratic governors. The administration has not explained why these states were selected.

Most of the states on the list, except Virginia, either contain sanctuary jurisdictions or appeared on a similar list last year.

States Not Included

Several states with sanctuary jurisdictions were not included, including:

• Maryland
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania

What Federal Agencies Must Do

Federal agencies are required to submit the requested funding data to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by January 28. According to the memo, the directive is strictly a data-gathering exercise and does not involve withholding funds.

The review covers most federal funding types, including:

• Grants
• Loans
• Funding to local governments
• Funds provided to nonprofits and colleges

Payments made directly to individuals, such as federal student aid, are excluded. The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are also not part of the request.

Increased Scrutiny of Democratic-Led States

The administration has recently increased oversight of federal spending in Democratic-led states. Earlier this month, it attempted to pause federal aid for childcare and other programs in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, citing concerns about fraud. A federal judge blocked that effort.