Core Viewpoint - A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's termination of nearly $8 billion in energy project funding was unconstitutional, primarily targeting "blue states" that did not support Trump in the 2024 election [1][3]. Group 1: Court Ruling - Judge Amit Mehta issued a 17-page opinion stating that the Department of Energy's funding termination violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth Amendment [3]. - The ruling mandates the restoration of specific grants totaling $27.6 million, part of over 200 energy project grants that were terminated last year [3]. Group 2: Funding Termination Details - The Department of Energy announced the termination of 223 energy projects, with a total funding of approximately $7.56 billion, primarily affecting clean and renewable energy initiatives [4]. - The terminated projects predominantly impacted states that voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in the 2024 election, including California, Colorado, and New York [4]. Group 3: Political Context - The funding decisions were criticized by Democrats as "political retaliation," as they disproportionately affected states that did not support Trump [4]. - The Trump administration's actions included a broader strategy to reduce renewable energy policies and favor traditional energy sectors, culminating in the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement [5].