A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the White House from enacting a sweeping pause on federal grants and loans as President Donald Trump looks to ensure all federal spending aligns with his recently signed executive orders.

A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden paused the Trump administration's temporary federal funding freeze just as it was set to go into effect.

The order Tuesday capped the most chaotic day for the U.S. government since Trump returned to office, with uncertainty over a crucial financial lifeline causing panic and confusion among states, schools and organizations that rely on trillions of dollars from Washington.