The White House's sudden pause on federal grants and loans is drawing sharp criticism from education leaders, union officials and Democratic lawmakers, as
President Donald J. Trump
The pause, which took effect Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET, could affect trillions of dollars in funding and has sparked concerns about disruptions to scientific research, education programs, and disaster relief efforts. While the administration says individual benefits like Social Security and Medicare won't be affected, the freeze applies to both new funding and previously awarded but unspent grants.
University leaders warned the move could significantly harm American research competitiveness.
"This action will sideline world-leading American scientists who are working toward cures for cancer, developing breakthroughs in AI and quantum computing, driving progress in advanced manufacturing, and supporting American farmers," said Dr. Mark Becker, the outgoing president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).
The administration defended the move as necessary to ensure compliance with Trump's executive orders on transgender rights, environmental justice, and diversity initiatives. Matthew Vaeth, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, wrote that using federal resources for “Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“The effect of the current president's unlawful pause on all federal aid is catastrophic for America's working families,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. She highlighted ongoing crises requiring immediate federal response, including “the worst tuberculosis outbreak in American history happening in Kansas” and pending disaster relief needs in multiple states.
