Trump Administration Revises Federal Funding Freeze Memo Amid Backlash

The Trump administration has rolled back a controversial memorandum linked to its federal funding freeze, following intense backlash and confusion over its potential impact on essential services such as healthcare, housing, and childcare. However, White House officials insist that President Donald Trump’s executive order (EO) pausing federal spending remains in effect.

On Wednesday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the administration’s position in a social media post, stating that the latest directive only revoked the memo issued by the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) earlier this week. “This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze,” Leavitt wrote. “It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo.”

Court Blocks Funding Freeze Amid Legal Challenges

The administration’s revision came after a federal court ruling on Tuesday temporarily blocked the funding freeze just hours before it was set to take effect. The decision was the result of a legal challenge filed by nonprofit organizations, which argued that the spending freeze exceeded the constitutional powers of the president.

The funding freeze had sparked concerns across various sectors, with critics warning that it could disrupt critical government programs and services. Lawmakers and advocacy groups had also raised alarm over the lack of clarity regarding which programs would be affected.

Despite the court’s intervention and the rescission of the OMB memo, the Trump administration has made it clear that its broader policy to halt federal spending remains unchanged. As legal battles unfold, the future of the funding freeze remains uncertain, with further court hearings expected in the coming weeks.