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New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging significant funding cuts to a federal housing program. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday (November 25), is part of a broader coalition of 19 attorneys general and two governors opposing the changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Continuum of Care program. This program is crucial for providing permanent supportive housing to vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The coalition argues that the Trump administration's new rules would cut funding for permanent housing by two-thirds, starting in 2026, and impose unlawful conditions on the grants. These conditions include requirements that providers recognize only two genders and mandate residents to accept services before obtaining housing. According to Reuters, the states claim these changes violate the separation of powers and are unconstitutional.
Letitia James emphasized the importance of the Continuum of Care funds, stating, "These funds help keep tens of thousands of people from sleeping on the streets every night." The lawsuit seeks a court order to block the administration's cuts and restore previous funding levels. The states involved argue that the changes would eliminate 12% of supportive housing stock in New York alone.
The complaint was filed in the federal District of Rhode Island, with support from states including California, Illinois, and Massachusetts. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the cuts, highlighting the impact on families struggling with basic needs. The coalition's legal action aims to protect vital housing resources for vulnerable communities across the nation.