By Gabriel Brogan

On Tuesday, January 28th, newly-inaugurated President Trump signed an executive order suspending access to hundreds of billions of dollars of federal funding. The order, ostensibly to give the White House time to “Look at the scams, dishonesty, waste and abuse” Trump claimed were taking place under Biden, cut off vital funds for thousands of organization. Merely hours after the order was signed, U.S District Judge Loren AliKhan blocked it for one week, responding to a lawsuit from several nonprofits. The next day, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded the order. 

The damage had already been done. Despite the order’s withdrawal, many nonprofits are still unable to access federal money, and several states are reporting lack of access to Medicare funds. This prompted AliKhan to extend the fund freeze’s pause, writing in a court order on Monday: “it appears that OMB sought to overcome a judicially imposed obstacle without actually ceasing the challenged conduct.”

 Though the order was walked back, the threat of suspended federal money caused widespread panic. According to The NYTimes, over 35,000 nonprofit organizations receive federal funds. Brought to terms with their reliance on federal money, some of these groups are reconsidering the more inclusive presentations they have adopted over the last four years, worried their funding will be cut if they seem “woke” to Trump. Given the president’s vendetta against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, this fear may not be unfounded. 

Nonprofits aren’t the only ones getting money directly from the federal government. According to USA Facts, more than 100 million Americans receive federal aid, in the form of programs like Medicaid, Food Stamps, Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA),  the Veterans Association (VA) and others. These 100 million people, of course, are worried- will the Trump administration cut their funding, too? For the time being, no. The OMB came out with a statement the Tuesday of the order’s release, clarifying that “any program giving direct benefit to Americans is explicitly excluded from the pause.” 

Going forward, McCaskey seniors can rest assured FAFSA money is still available. However, the Trump administration’s actions speak to a certain recklessness with the lives and livelihoods of Americans. The funding freeze may have been paused, but it’s clear the White House is not done dramatically restructuring our government. Trump has made it clear further budget cuts are imminent, and whatever comes is sure to affect our school and community. Amidst this chaos and fear in a time of transition, it’s up to us to stay true to the character of McCaskey, and keep our campus place that feels safe for everyone.