Trump Reverses Spending Freeze Order That Sparked Chaos
- Move drew bipartisan criticism, confusion in Washington
- Trump says brief spending freeze helped identify fraud
Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, DC, on Jan. 27.
Photographer: Will Oliver/EPA/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
President Donald Trump rescinded an order freezing an array of federal grants, loans and financial assistance — a dramatic reversal after days of uncertainty and anxiety rocked governments and nonprofit organizations.
The abrupt move — only two days after the freeze was first announced — quickly drew parallels to the chaotic policy roll-outs that regularly unfolded during Trump’s first administration and happened despite assurances from the president’s allies that they would be able to advance his agenda more effectively in a second term.