White House Clarifies Pause on Federal Aid, Says Direct Assistance to Individuals Not Affected

‘This is not a blanket pause on federal assistance and grant programs,’ the White House press secretary said.

The White House on Jan. 22, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The Office of Management and Budget’s pause on federal grants, loans, and assistance will not affect Social Security, Medicare, or food stamps, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Jan. 28.

Leavitt clarified a Jan. 27 memorandum that suspends distributing grants, loans, and other financial assistance while the affected programs are under review, during the second Trump administration’s first White House news briefing on the afternoon of Jan. 28.