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2h ago

Trump Centralizes Federal Grantmaking Under Political Appointees

New grant opportunities are frozen until political review processes are in place, empowering appointees to cancel awards that fall outside administration policy objectives.

U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not pictured) at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a Purple Heart Day event to honor members of the military wounded or killed in action, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 7, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
grant funding trump
Two scientists in cold-weather gear hold up a cylinder of ice in a lab.

Overview

  • The August 7 executive order requires agency heads to designate senior political appointees to approve every federal funding opportunity announcement and grant award.
  • All new grant announcements are suspended until agencies implement the multi-tiered political review system mandated by the order.
  • Discretionary grants must demonstrably advance President Trump’s America First priorities, with subject matter experts advising but final authority resting with appointees.
  • Agencies gain authority to terminate existing or future grants deemed inconsistent with administration objectives, targeting projects labeled wasteful by the White House.
  • Political appointees are instructed to use independent judgment rather than defer to peer review, intensifying concerns over academic freedom and scientific independence.