Illinois has joined more than 20 states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s federal funding freeze, a move that comes as state officials scramble to assess the potential impact on essential programs.

On Tuesday, a federal judge issued a temporary stay on the freeze, delaying its implementation until Monday. While Illinois lawmakers welcomed the decision, they remain concerned about the long-term consequences. Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “We don’t know what the impact on our budget will be. This is only a temporary restraint.”

Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the state’s participation in the multi-state lawsuit filed in Rhode Island, aiming to block the funding halt entirely. “I will not stand silent as they try to impose unconstitutional mandates,” Raoul said.

State agencies have already reported disruptions, with officials saying they were locked out of federal funding platforms, including Medicaid disbursement systems. Pritzker warned that critical services, such as child care programs, public universities, and Medicaid, could be at risk. Some Head Start programs, he noted, were on the verge of missing payroll.

The city of Chicago is also bracing for potential fallout. Officials are reviewing how the freeze could affect local projects and services, particularly given the $4 billion in federal grants the city received last year. These funds support major initiatives, including public transportation expansions, disaster relief, and housing assistance.

The lawsuit against the funding freeze is one of 74 legal challenges filed against Trump in an effort to stop his executive actions. Of these, 33 are DOGE-related, and judges have temporarily paused 18 measures so far.

Meanwhile, a separate legal battle involving billionaire Elon Musk and the Labor Department is unfolding. A federal judge ruled Friday that Musk’s team would not be immediately blocked from accessing department systems. The Labor Department has been investigating companies owned by Musk, who serves as an adviser to President Trump.

The Trump administration has defended the funding freeze, arguing it is necessary to align spending with recent executive orders, such as eliminating DEI programs and auditing foreign aid. Officials maintain that the freeze will not impact Social Security, Medicare, or individual payments.