White House still committed to freezing ‘woke’ funds despite rescinding OMB memo
The White House continues to stand firm in its commitment to freezing federal grants and loans for programs deemed “woke,” despite recent developments in the legal battle surrounding the issue. Although the administration has rescinded the original Office of Management and Budget memo that sparked the controversy, the administration’s position remains unchanged.
A federal judge recently paused the Trump administration’s OMB memo, which sought to halt funding to various federal programs. However, the administration has since rescinded the memo in order to eliminate any confusion caused by the court ruling and media coverage. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the President’s Executive Orders on funding reviews will continue to be enforced by all agencies and departments.
Leavitt explained that the decision to rescind the memo should effectively end the court case and allow the government to focus on implementing the President’s orders on controlling federal spending. She also hinted at more executive action in the future to address wasteful federal funding.
The original memo, sent to federal agencies, called for a temporary pause on all federal grants and loans related to “wokeness” and the “weaponization of government.” While Democrats criticized the freeze, arguing that it circumvented Congress and violated the Impoundment Control Act, the administration maintained its stance on the issue.
Despite the rescission of the memo, Leavitt clarified that funds at odds with the President’s executive orders, such as those for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, will still be frozen. However, essential programs like Social Security benefits, Medicare, and food stamps will not be affected by the pause.
During a White House press briefing, Leavitt described the freeze as temporary and highlighted other freezes implemented by the administration, including regulatory and hiring pauses. She emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.
Additionally, Leavitt mentioned the Department of Government Efficiency, a new initiative aimed at eliminating wasteful spending. The department identified millions of dollars earmarked for programs like the World Health Organization and funding for condoms in Gaza, which Leavitt labeled as “preposterous waste of money.”
In conclusion, the administration’s decision to rescind the memo does not change its stance on freezing federal grants and loans for certain programs. The focus remains on enforcing the President’s orders on controlling federal spending and eliminating wasteful expenditures. The administration’s actions signal a continued commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficiency in government operations.
