The Trump administration has directed federal agencies to collect detailed information on funds flowing to 14 predominantly Democratic states and the District of Columbia, describing it as an effort to “reduce improper and fraudulent use” of federal money. This directive comes just one week after President Trump announced plans to cut funding to states harboring “sanctuary cities” that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

A memo obtained by The Associated Press requires most government departments to report by January 28 on grants, loans, and other federal funds allocated to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. While the memo characterizes the initiative as “a data-gathering exercise only,” it arrives amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement policies.

The targeted states share common characteristics: all but Minnesota have Democratic-controlled legislatures, and all except Vermont have Democratic governors. Notably, all but one were previously identified as having sanctuary jurisdictions or were included on the administration’s sanctuary places list last year.

The exception, Virginia, recently saw Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger rescind a directive from her Republican predecessor that had required law enforcement to cooperate with immigration officials—potentially explaining its inclusion on the list.

During a White House news conference coinciding with the memo’s distribution, President Trump reaffirmed his intention to withhold funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. “We’re not going to pay them anymore. They are sanctuary for criminals,” Trump stated. “They can sue us and maybe they’ll win, but we’re not giving money to sanctuary cities anymore.”

The term “sanctuary cities” lacks a formal definition but generally refers to jurisdictions that limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These policies have been a frequent target of criticism from the Trump administration, which has characterized them as undermining federal immigration enforcement efforts.

This data collection initiative exempts only the Department of Defense—which the administration now refers to as the Department of War—and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The scope is extensive, covering funds provided to state governments, local governments, higher education institutions, and nonprofits within these states. However, certain direct payments to individuals, such as federal student aid, are excluded from the reporting requirements.

The move represents the latest in a series of actions targeting Democratic-controlled states. Earlier this month, the administration attempted to freeze child care subsidies and other assistance for low-income families in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, citing potential fraud. That effort was temporarily halted by a judge.

Political analysts note this initiative aligns with the administration’s broader strategy of challenging progressive immigration policies while appealing to its base voters who favor stricter enforcement. Critics argue the targeting appears politically motivated, as the list excludes some states with sanctuary jurisdictions that have Republican leadership.

The timing of the directive—coming less than ten months before the presidential election—suggests immigration policy will remain a central campaign issue. While the current memo does not directly implement funding cuts, it establishes the informational framework that could potentially enable such actions in the future.

Legal experts anticipate any attempt to withhold federal funding would face significant constitutional challenges, as previous efforts to financially penalize sanctuary jurisdictions have encountered judicial resistance on grounds of federalism and congressional spending authority.

Whether this data collection exercise will lead to actual funding cuts remains to be seen, but it signals the administration’s continued focus on immigration enforcement as a policy priority and campaign issue in the months ahead.