On Monday, a federal judge ruled that the White House had failed to comply with a court order. The ruling was issued by Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island. This decision marks the first time that the Trump administration has been explicitly accused of disobeying a judicial order.

McConnell had previously ordered the release of billions of dollars in frozen federal grants. In his ruling, he stated that the White House had not followed the “plain text” of the order issued last month. Additionally, this case could lead to a confrontation between the executive and judicial branches.

Vice President JD Vance expressed on social media that judges cannot control the executive branch. This statement increases the possibility of a constitutional crisis.

The Department of Justice responded, claiming that some funds were exempt from the order. However, McConnell rejected this argument. He clarified that his order was clear and unequivocal.

The judge accepted a request from state attorneys general for a “motion for enforcement.” He did not find contempt or specify sanctions. Nonetheless, he insisted that the White House had not complied with the order.