A federal judge with deep ties to Democratic politics has ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to freeze federal spending, raising concerns about judicial impartiality. Judge John J. McConnell Jr., a longtime Democratic donor appointed by former President Barack Obama, ordered the administration on Monday to immediately restore funding that had been halted under a budget review directive.

McConnell’s ruling follows his temporary restraining order (TRO) issued on Jan. 31, which blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to pause federal disbursements while reviewing government spending priorities. The administration had argued that the freeze was necessary to ensure taxpayer funds were being used effectively, but McConnell ruled that the hold violated congressional funding mandates.

The judge’s decision has sparked criticism from conservatives, who point to McConnell’s financial history with the Democratic Party. Before his appointment to the bench in 2011, McConnell donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic candidates and committees, including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and multiple congressional campaigns. His contributions also extended to Democratic PACs, raising concerns about his impartiality in cases involving Republican policies.

In addition to his political donations, McConnell has been linked to progressive legal activism. In 2022, he organized a conference on racial justice that featured discussions on critical race theory and systemic privilege in the legal system. This has further fueled concerns that his rulings may be influenced by ideological bias rather than neutral legal interpretation.

The latest ruling comes as Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and Washington, D.C., challenge the Trump administration’s efforts to reassess government spending. McConnell’s order requires the immediate restoration of all halted federal funds, including those from Biden-era programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act. The administration is expected to appeal the decision, arguing that the freeze was within the president’s executive authority.

Despite the legal battle, McConnell’s past financial and political ties have drawn scrutiny. Records show he contributed to key Democratic figures in the Senate and House, including Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-CA). His history as a political donor continues to raise questions about whether his rulings against Trump’s policies are based on legal merit or partisan influence.