A federal judge just gave America’s EV expansion a green light, slamming the brakes on the Trump administration’s attempt to delay billions in electric vehicle infrastructure funding.
U.S. District Judge Tana Lin issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump-led Department of Transportation (DOT), ordering it to resume disbursing funds through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The ruling comes after a coalition of 14 states sued the administration for unlawfully halting $5 billion in federally approved EV grants.
Trump’s Attempt to Stall EV Infrastructure Crushed by Judge
| Insight | Details |
|---|---|
| Program in question | NEVI, a $5 billion EV charging network funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law |
| Why paused | Trump DOT withdrew approval of state plans and froze $3.2 billion in funding |
| Who sued | California, New York, Washington, Illinois, and 10 other states |
| Ruling impact | Funds must flow again in 7 days unless overturned on appeal |
This ruling reaffirms that Presidents cannot override Congress’s “power of the purse.” With billions at stake, states gearing up for EV readiness—and the climate ambitions tied to them—can breathe a sigh of relief. But the fight isn’t over. As Trump’s team likely appeals, the pace of America’s EV infrastructure rollout hinges on how swiftly and strongly the courts uphold this decision.
Why the Freeze Was Controversial
Back in February 2025, the Trump administration pulled the plug on NEVI approvals, claiming it needed to review whether Biden-era guidance aligned with the administration’s own transportation policies. But according to a May report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the DOT violated the Impoundment Control Act by withholding funds that Congress had already approved.
DOT claimed the freeze only affected $526 million, but the GAO found the real number closer to $3.2 billion.
“You can’t just ghost a program Congress gave a thumbs up to,” I remember thinking when the news dropped—and apparently, the courts agree.
Judge Lin’s Ruling: A Strong Rebuke
In her decision, Judge Tana Lin emphasized that Congress has the constitutional power of the purse. Executive agencies, she wrote, cannot override Congressional intent with mere policy revisions. Her ruling gives the DOT seven days to comply unless it appeals successfully.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling, calling the funding freeze a political “bargaining chip” that risked derailing essential climate infrastructure. “This passing reference to revised guidance … is simply insufficient to override congressional intent,” Washington’s legal brief argued.
What This Means for EV Projects
With this ruling, states can re-engage NEVI-backed projects to build EV charging stations along key corridors. The funding covers up to 80% of total costs, making it essential for rural and lower-income communities looking to join the electric revolution.
Expect states like New York and California to quickly ramp back up on planned charger installations. This could also restore momentum for Biden-era climate goals, many of which hinge on reliable and widespread EV infrastructure.
What Comes Next?
- Appeal incoming? Trump’s DOT could file an emergency motion to pause the ruling before the seven-day compliance window closes.
- Broader impact? The ruling could influence other lawsuits targeting Trump freezes on climate and transportation grants.
- 2026 outlook: With an election year looming, the future of NEVI and other infrastructure projects will remain a political flashpoint.
