Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a frequent critic of President Donald Trump on spending and policy matters, has taken an unusual step in alignment with the president: targeting alleged fraud in federal social service programs.
On Wednesday, Massie unveiled an amendment designed to give Trump legislative authority to override a federal judge’s temporary block on suspending billions in aid to five states.
The funding freeze affects California, New York, Minnesota, Illinois and Colorado.
The administration claims these states failed to comply with federal anti-fraud standards in key social service programs.
On Jan. 9, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian granted a 14-day temporary restraining order requested by the states, halting the freeze while the court considers a longer-term injunction.
Massie defended his amendment by citing verified instances of fraud, particularly in Minnesota’s daycare programs. On social media, he emphasized the need for accountability.
“After rampant fraud was uncovered at daycare centers in Minnesota and elsewhere, a judge blocked President Trump’s effort to put guardrails on those programs,” he wrote. “I’ve offered this amendment to circumvent the judge’s ruling and empower the President to withhold fraudulent funds.”
The amendment would apply to three major federal funding streams: the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which provides childcare subsidies for qualifying families; the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which delivers cash assistance and supportive services to low-income households; and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), which supports a wide range of social services.
SSBG funds a wide variety of state-administered programs, including foster care, childcare and protective services.
According to HHS, the freeze would impact roughly $2.4 billion in CCDF funds, $7.35 billion in TANF and $869 million in SSBG allocations in the five states.
HHS Office of Inspector General reports and a 2025 GAO review note that incomplete documentation and oversight gaps have historically left these programs vulnerable to misuse.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. defended the administration’s actions, framing the freeze as a tool for accountability rather than politics.
“The best way to help families is to prevent fraud so that funds reach those truly in need,” Kennedy said, according to The Blaze. “Without a workable plan from the states, we cannot continue funding unchecked.”
The states argue the freeze is unconstitutional, claiming federal action cannot rest solely on allegations without judicial validation. The temporary restraining order expires Friday, leaving the legality of the freeze uncertain.
Observers say the standoff highlights the ongoing tension between federal oversight and state discretion over social services.
Opponents warn that halting payments could disrupt programs relied upon by vulnerable families, while supporters counter that past administrations often failed to prevent fraud, putting taxpayer dollars at risk.
Massie’s rare cooperation with Trump stands out because he frequently opposes the president on fiscal, defense and executive authority issues.
Analysts suggest his alignment underscores the severity of the fraud concerns and his willingness to act when accountability is at stake.
If passed, the amendment would grant Trump explicit authority to maintain the freeze despite judicial resistance, signaling a hardline approach to federal funds and reinforcing the administration’s stated commitment to ensuring taxpayer dollars serve their intended purpose.
