The White House has recently issued a new memo that sheds light on the scope of a freeze in federal financial assistance set to go into effect. The memo, obtained by a source, clarifies that the freeze is not a blanket measure but is specifically targeted at executive orders related to immigration, foreign aid, climate and energy, DEI initiatives, gender identity, and abortion.
The memo emphasizes that programs not impacted by the President's Executive Orders will not be subject to the pause. It outlines a process for agencies to determine whether a particular program falls under the freeze.
Furthermore, the memo indicates that the pause could be brief, potentially lasting only a day. It reassures that funds for essential programs such as small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, and rental assistance will not be affected by the freeze.
However, concerns have been raised as several programs, including Head Start for preschoolers, have reported that their funding seems to be frozen despite the assurances provided in the memo.
