A White House budget office memo has called for a freeze on federal assistance spending by 5 p.m. Tuesday, highlighting that federal assistance programs accounted for $3 trillion in spending during 2024.
“This memorandum requires Federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements,” the memo states.
The Office of Management and Budget issued the directive late Monday, instructing federal agencies to assess compliance with President Trump’s executive orders. It specifically targets “DEI, woke gender ideology and the Green New Deal,” though the memo provides no specifics on what these policies entailz
“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and Green New Deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” the memo adds.
The freeze, however, will not affect Medicare or Social Security benefits, according to the White House.
Democrats responded critically to the announcement early Tuesday morning, signaling a contentious debate over the policy shift.
