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By Robert Alexander
Senior Crime & Court Reporter
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A coalition of Democratic attorney generals have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging the federal government unlawfully halted funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure authorized by Congress.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday argues that the U.S. Department of Transportation has stopped approving new funding under two electric vehicle (EV) charging programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan law enacted in 2021 during the Biden administration.
Newsweek contacted the DOJ, DOT and attorneys for the plaintiffs for comment via email outside of normal office hours on Wednesday.
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Why It Matters
The lawsuit tests whether a presidential administration can effectively block congressionally approved spending without repealing the law itself.
At stake is the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch, the reliability of federal grant programs that states depend upon for long-term planning, and the legal framework governing how funding disputes are resolved in court.
While the immediate fight centers on electric vehicle chargers, the outcome could shape how future administrations handle—or halt—a wide range of federally funded programs.
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What To Know
Who’s Suing And What’s At Stake
The case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington names the DOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and senior transportation officials as defendants.
At issue are the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program.
Together, these programs provide billions of dollars in federal funding intended to expand and maintain a nationwide EV charging network.
According to the complaint, the DOT has "categorically and indefinitely" suspended approvals for new obligations under both programs since the spring of 2025, without public explanation.
The plaintiffs in California v. U.S. Department of Transportation, include the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is also a plaintiff.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Department of Transportation, and the California Energy Commission joined the suit as additional plaintiffs.
What The States Are Arguing
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said during a news conference announcing the lawsuit that the case is not about partisan politics.
"This isn’t about party politics," Bonta said. "It’s about the future of our country, our economy and our planet." He added that the administration’s actions undermine congressional authority over federal spending.
The lawsuit contends that the administration’s refusal to approve new funding amounts to an unlawful impoundment of congressionally appropriated funds, violating the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
The complaint argues that Congress mandated the spending through the infrastructure law and that the executive branch lacks authority to withhold the funds indefinitely.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser echoed that argument, saying that "whether you do it expressly directly or implicitly indirectly, you can’t withhold mandated funds."
How This Fits Into Broader Litigation
The lawsuit follows an earlier legal challenge brought by many of the same states over the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which involved $5 billion intended to support EV charger deployment nationwide.
In June, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in that case, finding the administration’s suspension of NEVI funding likely unlawful and ordering the restoration of approximately $1 billion for participating states.
According to the new complaint, the DOT’s actions have already delayed or suspended EV charging projects that were underway and jeopardized future construction plans across multiple states. The plaintiffs are asking the court to permanently block the administration from withholding the funding and to require the agency to resume approvals under the programs.
The case adds to a growing body of litigation challenging the Trump administration’s approach to federal grant programs and its reliance on executive authority to pause or cancel spending authorized by Congress.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, in a February 7, 2025, letter was heard criticizing federal EV charger funding policy as: "…an incredible waste of taxpayer dollars."
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, on the Trump administration’s withholding of EV charger funds, said: "The President continues his unconstitutional attempts to withhold funding that Congress appropriated to programs he dislikes… California will not back down, not from Big Oil, and not from federal overreach."
And on the impact of the freeze, Bonta added: "This is just another reckless attempt that will stall the fight against air pollution and climate change, slow innovation, thwart green job creation, and leave communities without access to clean, affordable transportation."
What Happens Next
As the case moves into its early court stages, the Trump administration is expected to challenge the lawsuit, likely arguing that the dispute does not belong in federal district court.
The states may seek a preliminary injunction to force the Department of Transportation to resume approving EV charger funding while the case proceeds. A judge will first have to decide whether the funding freeze is an unlawful agency action or a contract dispute, a ruling that could shape the case’s survival.
Any decision is likely to be appealed, potentially setting up a longer legal battle while the disputed funding remains on hold.
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