MYNORTHWEST POLITICS

King County among local governments suing Trump administration

May 2, 2025, 4:52 PM

King County lawsuit Trump...

President Donald Trump speaks at a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Washington. (Pool via AP)

(Pool via AP)

King County is among eight local governments that sued the Trump administration on Friday.

According to a release from the King County Executive’s office, the suit “challenges the Trump administration’s addition of unlawful conditions in order to receive federal funding for public transit and homelessness assistance, putting at risk critical services for residents.”

The conditions are related to immigration status, health care, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the release said.

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against the Trump administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“I have a duty to fully enforce the law and protect these important services for our residents,” King County Executive Shannon Braddock said. “That’s why we are joining other jurisdictions from around the country to ensure the administration can’t disregard congressionally approved processes and bully local governments to comply with their political agenda at the expense of being able to deliver critical services.”

King County lawsuit claims Trump admin’s conditions conflict with local laws

The suit claims the new requirements violate federal law and would force local governments to make promises that conflict with local laws.

“King County joins a national coalition of local jurisdictions—including Pierce and Snohomish counties in Washington state, the City and County of San Francisco, Santa Clara County, New York City, Boston, and Columbus—in bringing suit to declare the Trump administration’s actions unlawful,” the release said.

The plaintiffs will file a temporary restraining order on May 5. If it is granted, a court ruling is anticipated by the end of the week, the release said.

KIRO Newsradio and MyNorthwest.com have reached out to HUD and FTA for comment.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

MyNorthwest Politics

north seattle shot critical condition...

Aaron Granillo

New gun violence reduction strategy moves forward at Seattle City Hall

The Seattle City Council's Public Safety Committee voted Tuesday to advance a new gun violence reduction strategy.

1 hour ago

belltown shooting (2)...

Madeline Ottilie, KIRO 7

Seattle police chief and mayor speak after violent weekend in Belltown

Three separate shootings in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood on Sunday left three people dead and three others injured.

3 hours ago

police chief barnes...

KIRO Newsradio staff

‘Let’s call it what it is’: Seattle public safety chair demands mayor explain why she removed police chief

City Councilmember Bob Kettle said the mayor still hasn't explained why she forced then-Police Chief Shon Barnes out.

4 hours ago

voter turnout washington midterm...

Charlie Harger

Harger: 5 things about WA’s midterms, for people who blissfully ignored politics all summer

It's the day after Labor Day, and political prognosticators will tell you this is the time to start paying a bit more attention to the upcoming elections.

12 hours ago

seattle mayor katie wilson budget deficit billion...

KIRO Newsradio staff

‘We’re really focused on moving forward’: Mayor Wilson addresses internal Bite of Seattle texts

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is pushing back on criticism over how her office handled communications the night of the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting.

1 day ago

strike embassy suites...

Julia Dallas

Seattle mayor, King County executive join striking workers at Embassy Suites

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined striking workers at the Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square.

1 day ago

King County among local governments suing Trump administration