Trump Administration Orders Sweeping Pause on Federal Grants and Loans

We are closely monitoring the impact of the January 27, 2025 memorandum issued by the Executive Office of the President instructing federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal”. The impact of this memorandum is currently unclear, but a few things are certain:

• The temporary pause will become effective on January 28^th at 5pm.
• No later than February 10, 2025, agencies shall submit to OMB detailed information on any programs, projects, or activities subject to this pause.
• OMB may grant exceptions for allowing Federal agencies to issue new awards or take other actions on a case-by-case basis.
• Federal agencies may continue administrative actions, such as closeouts of awards, or recording obligations.

While this news may be distressing, we are committed to serving you by providing timely and accurate guidance as it becomes clear and available. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Contact Mark Robins.