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

Illinois Attorney General Raoul discusses how the Trump administration is impacting Illinois, including on immigration and a federal funding freeze.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Tuesday said the Trump administration's move to freeze funding for federal assistance programs is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers between the White House and Congress.

"The language in the 14th Amendment is clear and unambiguous. If you are born in this country, you are a citizen of this country," Raoul said of President Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship.

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

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.

"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.