FRANKFORT, Ky. – Within his first week in office, President Donald Trump released an
executive order pausing all federal spending on loans and grants.
The order sparked major confusion across the country among citizens who heavily rely on
government funding, including states, schools, and organizations. Like many others,
Kentucky State University, a land–grant institution, receives funding from the state, which
in turn receives federal support. Many students also worried about whether they would be
able to receive financial aid.
government funding, including states, schools, and organizations. Like many others,
Kentucky State University, a land–grant institution, receives funding from the state, which
in turn receives federal support. Many students also worried about whether they would be
able to receive financial aid.
The concept of a federal freeze was outlined in Project 2025, a political initiative aimed at
reshaping the U.S. government with a more conservative approach—an initiative Trump
rarely acknowledged during his campaign.
reshaping the U.S. government with a more conservative approach—an initiative Trump
rarely acknowledged during his campaign.
The Trump administration said the freeze was necessary “to review whether spending
aligned with Trump’s executive orders on issues like climate change and diversity, equity
and inclusion programs” (AP).
aligned with Trump’s executive orders on issues like climate change and diversity, equity
and inclusion programs” (AP).
Following pushbacks from across the country, an uproar in Congress, and a block from a
federal judge, the White House rescinded the order two days later in a two–sentence
memo.
federal judge, the White House rescinded the order two days later in a two–sentence
memo.
Although the freeze was lifted, many students will never forget the fear and confusion they
felt about their future and how quickly it could be jeopardized.
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