The Trump administration aimed to reduce counterterrorism funding for local governments that failed to verify voter citizenship. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposed withholding 20 percent of anti-terrorism funds from these governments. A federal judge, however, intervened on Monday, preventing FEMA from enforcing this measure.

The decision represents a significant setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to alter election rules. The attempted policy targeted local governments that did not implement specific changes in their election processes. This judicial ruling halts the administration’s plans and maintains the current state of election management by these governments.