The Trump administration’s surprise federal funding freeze spurred discord and pushback in Illinois even as a judge temporarily blocked the effort.

A federal judge temporarily halted President Donald Trump's move to freeze all federal grants pending an analysis to root out "wokeness" in federal spending. But confusion reigned Tuesday in Chicago and beyond as leaders braced for serious potential cuts to an array of major programs.

"Let's be clear, January 20th was an inauguration, not a coronation. Congress is given the power to appropriate the funding. The executive branch cannot unilaterally disregard those appropriations," Raoul said.

Illinois was one of 22 Democratic-led states that filed suit Tuesday asking a federal court to block the sudden pause on funding, which was announced Monday evening. The freeze threatened to hold up trillions of dollars in funding for basic government functions like health care,

The freeze on federal funding and grants has wide-ranging implications and impacts everything from funding for child care, university research and roads and bridges.

Raoul and five other Democratic attorneys general claim the White House's freeze on federal assistance programs is unconstitutional.

The move comes after the order sparked widespread criticism and confusion. A federal district judge had temporarily paused the freeze.