The decision could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said Tuesday that the Trump administration’s order for federal agencies to pause the disbursement of loans and grants an “unprecedented and

President Donald Trump's order to pause funding for most types of federal grants and loans would have far-reaching affect in Connecticut, officials say.

Connecticut is "going on the offensive" according to Attorney General William Tong, planning to sue the Trump Administration to stop a memorandum issued late Monday night that would halt federal funds to states.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said Tuesday that the Trump administration’s order for federal agencies to pause the disbursement of loans and grants was an “unprecedented and blatantly lawless and unconstitutional attack.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt vehemently defended the administration’s sweeping freeze on federal aid, arguing Tuesday in her first press briefing that it was critical to scrutinize the scope of the government’s spending.

An internal memorandum sent on Monday by the Office of Management and Budget ordered federal agencies to pause all grants and loans.

The move represented the new president’s most audacious effort yet to disrupt the nation’s spending priorities.