President Trump’s administration just dropped a massive hammer on Colorado, freezing more than $300 million in federal funding intended for essential child care and food aid, as per CPR News. This isn’t just a threat; an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) official confirmed the freeze went into effect, targeting critical social safety net programs.
The freeze impacts the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Social Services Block Grant program. Colorado isn’t alone in this fight; four other Democratic-led states, California, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, are also facing a total freeze of $10 billion across these programs.
The official line from the federal government is that they’re worried about benefits fraudulently going to non-citizens. Here’s the kicker, though: officials haven’t actually pointed to any specific examples of fraud coming out of Colorado. This lack of evidence makes the freeze look overtly political, especially considering the administration’s ongoing campaign against the state.
The funding freeze appears to be the latest pressure tactic in an effort to force Colorado to release former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters from prison
Peters was convicted of state crimes and sentenced to nine years for her involvement in allowing unauthorized access to her county’s election machines. President Trump did issue a pardon for Peters, but because her conviction is based on state crimes, the federal pardon doesn’t actually apply. Using essential aid meant for needy families to leverage a political prisoner release is truly an unbelievable move.
Colorado officials seem to be scrambling a bit because they haven’t even been formally notified of the freeze yet. A spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis said the state hasn’t received official notice. They noted that these resources support families in need and help them access food and much more. “If true, it would be awful to see the federal government targeting the most needy families and children this way,” the spokesperson said.
Colorado politicians are not mincing words about the situation. Sen. Michael Bennet was absolutely furious, stating directly, “Donald Trump has declared war on Colorado.” He stressed that this isn’t controversial funding, but often “the difference between a filling meal and empty stomachs.” Sen. John Hickenlooper chimed in, noting that this is happening at a time of rising costs for Americans, saying, “President Trump thinks this is a game, but these are people’s lives.”
This $300 million freeze is just the latest in a series of attacks on Colorado. President Trump has previously vetoed a bill led by GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert that would have made it easier for local entities in an area that voted for him to fund a pipeline for clean drinking water. He also took steps to dismantle a premier climate and weather research center in Boulder. Furthermore, the administration rejected a FEMA declaration request needed to help people recover from wildfires and flooding.
It really feels like the state is being punished, regardless of which party the specific area supports, simply because they refuse to “bend a knee.”
Published: Jan 7, 2026 11:30 am