The suit by 14 AGs contends that President Trump violated the Constitution by creating a new federal department without congressional approval.

The decision came in a lawsuit filed by 14 states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, challenging DOGE’s authority to access sensitive government data.

The Best of Newport, RI. Newport Buzz is the leading News Source for Breaking News, What's New and To-Do in Newport, RI.

Hundreds gathered on the steps of the Rhode Island State Capitol Saturday afternoon to protest the sweeping actions of the Trump administration and Elon Musk. Four hours into the rally hundreds remained outside the capitol,

U.S. District Chief Judge John “Jack” McConnell Jr., who was nominated by President Obama in 2010 and has served as chief judge since 2019, issued a temporary restraining order on Jan. 31 blocking the funding freeze,

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has joined Rhode Island and 11 other state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration and Elon Musk.

President Trump said he likes the idea of giving $5,000 back to taxpayers as a "DOGE Dividend" from Elon Musk's department.

On Feb. 22, hundreds of protestors rallied outside the Rhode Island State House against Elon Musk and the Trump administration. The event, called “Fight Back & Give Back: R.I. Protects Our Own from Lawless Billionaires,” was organized by the organization Indivisible Rhode Island, along with several other local activist groups.

Protesters denounced the influence of unelected officials, like Elon Musk, within the white house and the recent mass firings of thousands of federal worker across the country. Meanwhile, a counter protest was held across the street, demonstrators calling to reclaim America and for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants.

U.S. District Chief Judge John “Jack” McConnell Jr., who was nominated by President Obama in 2010 and has served as chief judge since 2019, issued a temporary restraining order on Jan. 31 blocking the funding freeze, which the White House said covered grants and loans.

Though generally well liked in Rhode Island, McConnell's order blocking a freeze on funding and his follow-up order generated blowback from Washington, D.C., where Vice President JD Vance pondered the court's authority on social media.

Some 13 employees at the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Services office in Warwick lost their jobs as part of widespread government cuts.