Several Texas elected officials are fighting back, legally and otherwise, against what they are describing as an onslaught against the overall well-being of U.S. citizens.
According to these officials, these attacks come from President Donald Trump’s barrage of recent executive orders.
Funding halt worries
The White House Office of Management and Budget, led by Project 2025 architect Russel Vought, issued a memo halting federal assistance programs that the current administration views as potentially not aligning with Trump’s ideological policies.
That funding halt, which could affect trillions of dollars, went into effect Tuesday at 5 p.m., leaving hundreds, if not thousands, of Texans and Americans nationally scrambling to figure out the next steps.
“This reckless freeze directly targets programs critical to millions of Texans, including Head Start, WIC, school lunches, Section 8 housing, child care grants, and funding for countless nonprofits that provide essential services to our communities,’ read a Jan. 28 email sent out by the Texas Democrats.
The funding freeze could cause widespread disruption in healthcare research, education programs, and other initiatives. The Trump administration’s freeze even includes grants that have been awarded but not yet spent.
Multiple states have already reported that their agencies and early education centers are unable to access money from Medicaid and Head Start.
Texans respond
“This is what happens when we have a president who has no idea what life is like for everyday Americans—or simply doesn’t care,” said Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa in a statement. “Texas Democrats are sounding the alarm: this is not governance—it’s a calculated effort to destabilize our government, disenfranchise the public, and shock the resistance out of us.
“At a time when Texans are already struggling with rising costs, stagnant wages, and negligent state leadership, the last thing we need is an administration playing politics with our livelihoods. This isn’t just a policy decision—it’s a betrayal of the working class and an undeniable sign that Trump’s America caters only to the wealthiest few,” added Hinojosa.
Hinojosa is not alone in condemning the recent move from the White House. U.S. Congressman Al Green, in fact, lumped an entire series of Trump’s executive orders together as a cause for serious concern on Jan. 24, days before Trump’s most recent funding freeze order.
Our unity against the policies of rising far-right-wing autocracy is the best hope for democracy.
Congressman Al Green
“In less than a week, President Trump has, among many other things, per CNN: put a freeze on civil rights cases; recognized only two genders; shut down the gun violence prevention office; put DEI federal employees on paid leave; halted police reform agreements; begun mass deportations; and challenged birthright citizenship,” Green said in a statement.
“If the above doesn’t get your attention, maybe this will: A United States congressman has introduced H.J.Res.29, a joint resolution to allow President Trump to serve three terms. Friends, we cannot defeat the ‘Make America Hate Agenda’ by expecting others to help us when we won’t help others,” added Green, who issued a call for a coalition of resistance.
“While our issues appear to be different, the root cause of our conditions is the same for all. That root cause for all emanates from policies promulgated by a would-be autocrat,” stated Green, as he painted a picture of what such a unified approach could produce.
Meanwhile, Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee issued a strong rebuke of the Trump administration’s freeze on federal financial assistance programs, a decision that threatens to jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for critical programs in Harris County.
The Harris County Attorney—alongside attorneys general in states such as New York and Illinois—is considering legal action in response.
“President Trump does not have the power to withhold funds that Congress has already approved. Both the U.S. Constitution and federal law are clear on that,” said Menefee. “This reckless action puts Harris County at risk of losing hundreds of millions of dollars for essential programs—public safety, infrastructure, healthcare, and transportation. These programs aren’t political—they’re vital services that our residents rely on every day. Harris County families should not be victims of the Trump administration’s extremism. We are exploring legal options to ensure that this unlawful overreach doesn’t harm the people of Harris County.”
A way forward
Green contends united, those most negatively impacted by Trump’s recent executive orders can achieve comprehensive immigration reform, a respectful recognition of individuals’ sexuality, gun reform, “righteous police reform,” and a defeat of efforts to end birthright citizenship.
Regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to kill DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion programs, jobs, and funding), Green said, “We can show that diversity and equity are needed inclusivities for all to overcome centuries of exclusivity for some.”
“Our unity against the policies of rising far-right-wing autocracy is the best hope for democracy,” added Green.