Who is Arun Subramaniam? Who stopped President Trump’s decision; Musk called it a threat to democracy

Who is Arun Subramanian: The Indian-origin district court judge appointed by Biden has become the latest target of MAGA anger and hatred as his decision temporarily blocked the Trump administration from cutting billions of dollars of federal aid for social spending programs in several Democrat-ruled states across the US.

Trump’s decision put on hold

On January 9, The New York Times reported that U.S. District Judge Arun Subramaniam issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s sudden freeze on nearly $10 billion of federal funding for child care, family assistance and social services in five Democratic-led states, including New York, California, Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado. The decision sparked a sharp reaction online, with key Trump allies accusing the Indian-American judge of bias and exceeding judicial limits.

The administration had announced the funding freeze earlier this month, citing “serious concerns” about fraud and misuse of taxpayer money in state-run programs. Officials specifically pointed to investigations in Minnesota related to alleged daycare fraud within the state’s large Somali community, claims that have been incorporated into broader “America First” arguments over immigration and public spending.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, speaking to The New York Times, praised the decision as “an important victory for the families whose lives have been turned upside down by this administration’s brutality,” and emphasized the role these funds play in supporting millions of residents.

Who is Judge Arun Subramaniam?

At 45, Judge Arun Srinivas Subramaniam is one of the youngest jurists on the federal bench. She made history in 2023 when she became the first South Asian judge to be appointed to the powerful Southern District of New York (SDNY), following her nomination by President Joe Biden in 2022 and Senate confirmation on the recommendation of Senator Chuck Schumer. Born in 1979 in Pittsburgh to Indian immigrant parents, his father worked as a control systems engineer and his mother was a bookkeeper.

Subramanian grew up in a family where education and public service were emphasized. He earned degrees in computer science and English from Case Western Reserve University, followed by completing his law degree from Columbia Law School in 2004, where he was recognized as a James Kent and Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.

A look at Arun Subramaniam’s career

His early legal career included elite clerkships with SDNY Judge Gerard Lynch, Second Circuit Judge Dennis Jacobs, and US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He later joined Sussman Godfrey LLP, becoming a partner and helping to secure over $1 billion for clients in complex commercial litigation, consumer protection and exploitation cases, while also spending significant time in pro bono work.

As a judge, Subramanian is known for his calm, methodical style, which combines firmness and restraint. His handling of the high-profile Sean ‘DD’ Combs sentencing case in 2025 further cemented this reputation, as he insisted that sentencing reflect proven conduct, or in his own words, “the law, not drama.”

Musk opened front against Judge Subramanian

After this decision, Elon Musk attacked the social media platform X. Describing this as a threat to democracy, Musk said, “If voters cannot influence the results despite Republicans controlling the House, Senate and Presidency, then we are not living in a democratic system.” He described Judge Subramaniam as “an activist in judge’s clothing” and accused him of promoting fraud. Along with Musk, Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham also described the judge as part of the “protest.”

Republican supporters argue that a single judge cannot stop the anti-corruption efforts of the entire administration. Trump administration officials say federal courts do not have the authority to force the executive branch to release funds, especially when the case involves misuse of taxpayer money.

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