Trump Admin’s Pause on Federal Aid Raises Constitutional Issue

The White House said the move would align spending with Trump’s agenda. Critics said it’s unconstitutional.
Trump Admin’s Pause on Federal Aid Raises Constitutional Issue
President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
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The Trump administration’s pause on federal aid raises legal questions and has prompted Democrats to level charges of overreach.

Matthew J. Vaeth, acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, issued a memo on Jan. 27 requiring federal agencies to pause the disbursement of federal financial assistance that may be affected by President Donald Trump’s executive orders.