What’s on the Chopping Block With Trump’s Federal Freeze?

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President-elect Donald Trump talks to reporters after a meeting with Republican leadership at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
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Today marked the first White House briefing under President Donald Trump‘s second term. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s sweeping freeze on federal grants and funding, describing it as a move to ensure taxpayer dollars aligned with Trump’s new executive orders.

She stated the freeze will not impact individual assistance programs, such as Social Security, , and SNAP benefits. However, many are concerned because the freeze, which amounts to trillions of dollars, could put a halt to things like school meals for low-income students, US Aid for foreign assistance, the WIC nutrition program for pregnant women and infants, programs for homeless, HIV/AIDS funding, and so many other things.

When pressed on how the freeze would affect , Leavitt said, “I’ll check back on that and get back to you.”

The ambiguity has alarmed Americans, along with community leaders and nonprofits, who are left wondering if this freeze is a safeguard or a setback for vulnerable communities.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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AURN NEWS WITH EBONY MCMORRIS