The Trump Administration’s moves to downsize the federal workforce and reshape agencies around the president’s “America First” agenda are repeatedly running into stop signs as challenges to these policies hit the courts. 

But at least one federal judge says it’s not playing out that way in the case he’s overseeing – the Administration is not fully complying with his temporary restraining order to stop the freeze on federal grants.

It sets up a standoff between two branches of government. 

Meanwhile, the third branch of government is gearing up for a fight.

Guest:


Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is a Democrat who represents Washington’s 7th District, including Seattle and surrounding areas from Shoreline to Burien. 

Related Links:
White House Failed to Comply With Court Order, Judge Rules - New York Times

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The Trump Administration&rsquo;s moves to downsize the federal workforce and reshape agencies around the president&rsquo;s &ldquo;America First&rdquo; agenda are repeatedly running into stop signs as challenges to these policies hit the courts.&nbsp;
But at least one federal judge says it&rsquo;s not playing out that way in the case he&rsquo;s overseeing &ndash; the Administration is not fully complying with his temporary restraining order to stop the freeze on federal grants.
It sets up a standoff between two branches of government.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the third branch of government is gearing up for a fight.
Guest:
<ul>
<li>
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is a Democrat who represents Washington&rsquo;s 7th District, including Seattle and surrounding areas from Shoreline to Burien.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/us/trump-unfreezing-federal-grants-judge-ruling.html">White House Failed to Comply With Court Order, Judge Rules - New York Times</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal sits down with Libby Denkmann to discuss how congressional Democrats are responding to the Trump Administration.

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