The Trump administration first tried to stop hundreds of billions of dollars in aid but later changed its mind after facing legal trouble and strong opposition, according to Reuters.

At first, the White House ordered federal agencies to pause grant and loan payments without giving much explanation, Reuters reported. However, after several Democratic states took legal action to block this freeze, the administration quickly reversed its decision before a court hearing could take place. Reuters noted that this move was likely an attempt to avoid further legal battles.

A federal judge still went ahead with the hearing and said he was likely to block the funding freeze anyway. Reuters explained that Trump’s administration claimed the freeze was meant to review and cut funds for programs Trump opposed, like diversity projects and green energy initiatives. However, critics argued this move caused unnecessary chaos.

Trump defended his decision by saying he was trying to eliminate wasteful spending, Reuters reported. But the freeze had already been temporarily blocked by another judge in Washington.

Reuters highlighted how this reversal was just another unpredictable decision from Trump, who has made several controversial moves since returning to office, including halting foreign aid and pardoning supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol.

In addition to the spending freeze controversy, Trump announced plans to use the Guantanamo Bay prison for migrants and threatened to revoke student visas of pro-Palestinian protesters, Reuters stated. This shows how his administration is targeting both immigration and political dissent.

Meanwhile, Trump’s Republican allies in Congress have mostly supported him, and the Senate has approved all of his appointees, despite some facing serious accusations. Reuters reported that Trump’s Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, barely won Senate approval and has since removed protections for former military officials and banned diversity programs.

Even though Trump’s spending freeze disrupted payments for medical and housing assistance, some Republicans still defended it, saying the president was trying to fix the budget.

Reuters pointed out that while some lawmakers were relieved the freeze was lifted, others criticized Trump’s actions as chaotic and harmful.

Overall, Reuters made it clear that Trump’s attempt to freeze aid backfired, leading to legal troubles, economic disruptions, and strong political backlash.

Credit : Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-revokes-spending-freeze-face-legal-challenges-2025-01-29

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