fb-pixelFederal judge blocks Trump’s freeze on federal grants. Here’s how it unfolded. Skip to main content

Federal judge blocks Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans minutes before it took effect. Here’s how it unfolded.

Outside the White House in Washington, D.C. on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.Doug Mills/NYT

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans that could total trillions of dollars and cause disruptions in health care research, education programs, and other initiatives. The White House announced the pause earlier Tuesday as the administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced it would offer all federal workers a buyout with about 8 months’ pay in effort to shrink the size of government.

Police also arrested a Massachusetts man in Washington, D.C. on Monday who was allegedly in possession of a folding knife and two Molotov cocktails. The man, Ryan “Reily” Michael English, 24, admitted to a plan to kill Trump cabinet members, according to federal authorities.

Here’s how Tuesday unfolded.

pinned

Here’s some highlights from Trump’s ninth day in office:

  • Judge blocks federal funding freeze: US District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans Tuesday afternoon, minutes before it was set to go into effect. The administrative stay pauses the freeze until Monday.
  • Chaos ensues as states, programs make sense of funding freeze: Trump administration officials said programs that provide direct assistance to Americans would not be affected, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, student loans and food stamps. But the lack of clarity around other programs is causing chaos.
  • Government buyouts: The Trump administration announced it would offer all federal workers a buyout with eight months’ pay in an effort to shrink the size of the government.
  • Trump’s Cabinet: The Senate has voted to confirm former Rep. Sean Duffy’s nomination to be Trump’s transportation secretary. New allegations are swirling concerning RFK Jr., Trump’s pick to lead Health and Human Services, ahead of his scheduled confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

Advertisement




Mass. man arrested at US Capitol wanted to kill Trump cabinet members — 9:17 p.m.

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

A Massachusetts man allegedly in possession of a folding knife and two Molotov cocktails was arrested in Washington D.C. on Monday after he approached a US Capitol Police Officer and said, “I’d like to turn myself in,” federal court records show.

Ryan “Reily” Michael English, 24, admitted to a plan to kill Trump cabinet members, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, whom he called a “Nazi,” and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, federal authorities said.

English also threatened to burn down The Heritage Foundation, according to an affidavit for a criminal complaint filed Tuesday in US District Court.

The affidavit did not say where in Massachusetts English lives.

Investigators found a note of apology written on the back of a receipt in English’s pocket.

“Judith dear god I am so sorry,” the note said. “You must understand I can feel myself dying slowly b/c of my heart. This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters. I love you. This is awful. Im so sorry. I love u. Please stay alive and heal. you can. you are strong enough. Fuck them for pushing us so far. you dont deserve this. Im so sorry for lying and plotting and lying. Please survive [7 hearts]”.

READ MORE


Not every Kennedy opposes RFK Jr.: Former R.I. congressman thinks his cousin is ‘the leader we need’ on addiction policy — 8:45 p.m.

By Dan McGowan, Globe Staff

No one needs to shed a tear for US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse as he weighs whether to support the controversial nomination of his law school classmate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Advertisement



The 294,665 Rhode Island voters who just sent Whitehouse back to the Senate for another six years don’t give a hoot that he and Kennedy used to frolic in the woods together, so he needs to come up with a better explanation than “bros before health pros.”

Whitehouse is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which is expected to consider Kennedy’s nomination during a hearing Wednesday, and there’s been at least some fear among Democrats that Whitehouse might be one of the few Democrats willing to support his old hunting partner. For his part, Whitehouse has been noncommittal.

As a reminder, Kennedy has been called unqualified because he “lacks any relevant government, financial, management, or medical experience.” His views on vaccines have been called “dangerous and willfully misinformed.” And he has been described as a “predator” whose younger brothers and cousins followed him “down the path of drug addiction.”

And that was all by his cousin, Caroline Kennedy, in a letter to senators this week.

But when I talked to former US representative Patrick Kennedy on Tuesday afternoon, he painted a different – albeit only mildly convincing – picture of his cousin Robert.

Patrick said he doesn’t agree with many of the positions Robert has taken, but “on the issues of mental health and addiction, Bobby has been tremendous.” He also published a letter in The Washington Post Tuesday calling Robert the “leader we need to meet this moment” on addiction policy.

READ MORE

Advertisement




Trump-endorsed candidates win primary races to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz — 8:35 p.m.

By The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — President Donald Trump -endorsed candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine won their Republican primaries in the special elections to replace former Florida Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, notching wins in reliably conservative districts.

Republicans are expected to hold the seats following the general election April 1, which would boost their thin majority in the U.S. House as they pursue Trump’s agenda.

In the 1st District election to replace Gaetz, Patronis fended off a challenge from former state Rep. Joel Rudman, a doctor who gained political prominence for opposing mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patronis will advance to the general election to face Gay Valimont, who ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the race for the northwest Florida seat.

Fine fought off challenges from two other Republicans in the 6th Congressional District race for Waltz’s seat. The district includes Daytona Beach and communities south of Jacksonville.

READ MORE


Federal immigration enforcement begins in New York with much fanfare — 8:15 p.m.

By The New York Times

Federal agents began multiple immigration enforcement actions in New York City on Tuesday in a visible and publicized show of force that included President Trump’s newly installed Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem.

Noem, who oversees the federal agency that runs the nation’s immigration system, traveled to the city and posted a video on the social media platform X that she said showed the arrest of an unauthorized immigrant with kidnapping, assault, and burglary charges.

The video, which seemed to have been taken before dawn, shows two federal officers outside an apartment building in the Bronx guiding a man in handcuffs to an SUV with flashing lights.

The man was arrested in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx by Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI, and was wanted for suspected involvement in a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, in Aurora, Colo. A spokesperson for the Aurora Police Department identified the man as Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco. He was wanted on charges of first-degree burglary and menacing with a firearm, both felonies.

Advertisement



Noem wrote on X that “dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.” In her first predawn post on the social media platform, she said she was “live this AM from NYC. I’m on it,” and also posted photos of her sporting a bulletproof vest.

READ MORE


‘Complete chaos’: Trump’s funding freeze sends R.I. nonprofits scrambling — 8:12 p.m.

By Steph Machado, Alexa Gagosz and Edward Fitzpatrick, Globe Staff

Rhode Island government officials, nonprofits and other organizations that receive federal funding scrambled on Tuesday to understand the scope of President Trump’s pause on federal aid and grants, part of a sweeping ideological review of spending by the new administration.

The freeze, which was set to go into effect at 5 p.m., was temporarily stayed by a federal judge Tuesday afternoon, according to the Associated Press, minutes before it was set to go into effect. The stay lasts until Monday.

“What a ham-handed way to run the government,” said Peter F. Neronha, Rhode Island’s attorney general, who on Tuesday was among 23 attorneys general to file a lawsuit to block the freeze.

More than 36 percent of Rhode Island’s nearly $14 billion budget is federal funding, the majority of which goes to Medicaid.

READ MORE


Does Trump have the power to block spending that Congress has authorized? — 7:33 p.m.

By The New York Times

President Trump has moved aggressively to block the government from disbursing funds authorized by Congress for a range of programs, potentially seizing power from the legislative branch to wield greater say in public spending.

Advertisement



Even as the White House cast the step as a temporary freeze that would allow it to inspect spending to make sure that it does not conflict with Trump’s policy priorities, the move set off chaos and uncertainty for vast swaths of the federal government at home and abroad.

It also appears to plant the seeds of a potential Supreme Court fight over how much power a president has to refuse to spend money that Congress has appropriated, a tactic that lawmakers sharply curtailed under President Richard Nixon. Within hours of the order, a federal judge temporarily halted it.

Here is a closer look at the attempt.


23 attorneys general, including R.I. and Mass., file federal lawsuit to block Trump’s federal funding freeze — 6:56 p.m.

By Alexa Gagosz, Globe Staff

PROVIDENCE — Attorneys general from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block President Trump’s pause on federal aid and grants that is part of a sweeping ideological review of spending by the new administration.

The lawsuit was filed in United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island and co-led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, who said a temporary federal funding freeze would have “immediate and catastrophic effects for Rhode Islanders and Americans everywhere.”

The lawsuit, which was joined by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, comes less than 24 hours after the Trump administration through its Office of Management and Budget issued a memo that directed federal agencies to pause all activities related to the disbursement of all federal financial assistance.

The coalition of attorneys general argued that the Trump administration’s proposal could jeopardize state funds that will put Americans in danger by depriving law enforcement of much-needed assistance.

READ MORE


Trump hamstrings anti-discrimination agency — 6:40 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump fired the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Charlotte Burrows and Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels late Monday night, according to Tuesday statements from both women.

The EEOC is comprised of five commissioners and enforces federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace. With one existing vacancy, this move cuts the EEOC down to two commissioners, rendering it unable to reach a quorum.

Samuels, originally appointed by Trump in 2020 and then again nominated by Biden for a second term, said the move “violates the law, and represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the EEOC as an independent agency.”

Burrows, who served under Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden and whose term was set to expire in 2028, retained attorneys Lisa Banks and Debra Katz following her removal. Banks said Trump’s decision “will weaken the civil rights protections afforded American workers in workplaces across the country.”

READ MORE


Federal workers union head says Trump’s buyout offers will ‘cause chaos’ — 6:37 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, says the number of civil servants hasn’t meaningfully changed since 1970, but there are more Americans than ever who rely on government services.

He says in a statement that purging the federal government of dedicated career federal employees will have “vast, unintended consequences.”

Kelley says the offer should not be viewed as voluntary. He says between the “flurry of anti-worker” executive orders and policies, it’s clear the Trump administration’s goal is to turn the federal government into “a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to.”


Rubio grants foreign aid suspension waiver for all life-saving assistance — 6:24 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signed a waiver to allow US foreign aid to continue to be spent on “life-saving” humanitarian assistance while other programs are suspended pending a review.

Rubio’s order signed Tuesday allows the State Department and the US Agency for International Development to at least temporarily keep spending money for programs that provide life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter and subsistence assistance, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press.

It also allows for money to be spent on supplies and “reasonable” administrative costs. The waiver expands the exemptions from the freeze from what had previously been only emergency food aid.

Rubio’s waiver does not cover programs that deal with abortion, family planning, conferences or anything related to diversity, equity and inclusion or gender-affirming care.

Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, speaks during a swearing-in ceremony in Washington, DC on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. Oliver Contreras/Photographer: Oliver Contreras/S

Trump offers all federal workers a buyout with 7 months’ pay in effort to shrink size of government — 6:00 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The White House began offering buyouts worth seven months of salary to all federal employees who opt to leave their jobs by Feb. 6 — part of Trump’s unprecedented overhaul of the US government.

A memo from the Office of Personnel Management, the government’s human resources agency, lists four directives that it says Trump is mandating for the federal workforce, including that most workers return to their offices full-time.

It includes a “deferred resignation letter” for federal employees wishing to participate.

“If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal government utilizing a deferred resignation program,” the email reads. “This program begins effective January 28 and is available to all federal employees until February 6.”

It adds, “If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30.”

READ MORE


Native American Rights Fund leader says federal funding freeze will negatively impact tribal nations — 5:55 p.m.

By the Associated Press

John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund, in a statement said tribal nations, “more so than almost any other community, will be negatively impacted” by a freeze on federal funding.

“Tribal Nations rely on federal funding to address essential needs, including public safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens,” he said. “The United States has a unique government-to-government obligation to Tribal Nations. Because of this unique relationship, Tribal Nations and Native people are especially and disproportionately affected by any federal actions like today’s funding freeze.

“The United States must fulfill its trust obligation to protect Tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources. Withholding federal funding without consultation is a step in the wrong direction.”

He said the money being withheld is taxpayer dollars. “Through Congress, we, the people, have made decisions about how we want our money spent. To withhold our money from us without reason or warning is illegal and immoral.”

Echohawk said his group is investigating the impacts a pause could have and weighing possible legal action.


Walz slams Trump for the funding freeze, says he will join in suing for an injunction — 5:47 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz slammed Trump for the funding freeze, while Attorney General Keith Ellison said he would be joining with other Democratic attorneys general in suing for an injunction to block the president’s action.

Walz, who was the Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 election, said Trump did not get a mandate for such draconian action.

“I understand that the people voted and, Kamala Harris and I lost an election to Donald Trump,” he said. “Seventy-seven million people voted for him. That’s 23% of the population. That is not a mandate to squash the Constitution. It’s not a mandate to break the law. It’s not a mandate to throw out all of the things that we know make this country work well.”

Walz and Ellison spoke at a news conference at a St. Paul YMCA that depends on the kind of federal funding for children’s education programs that is now at risk.

Walz, a former congressman, also blasted “the sycophants in Congress” who are supporting Trump’s action.

Ellison, who’s also a former congressman, said Trump’s order is unconstitutional and oversteps his legal authority.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz briefs reporters on Jan. 16, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn.Steve Karnowski/Associated Press

Scott Bessent is sworn into his role as treasury secretary — 5:46 p.m.

By the Associated Press

South Carolina investor Scott Bessent was sworn into his role as treasury secretary on Tuesday by Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.

His first day of work included meetings with senior Treasury officials, according to a Treasury news release.

He was confirmed by the US Senate on a 68-to-29 vote, Monday, with 16 Democrats voting in favor of making him the nation’s 79th treasury secretary.


Homeland Security secretary talks to agency staff for first time; no mention of immigration — 5:43 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The new Secretary of Homeland Security says the agency will “do everything we can to protect the American people” as she addresses the agency’s staff for the first time.

“We do have challenges. The world is a dangerous place. We’ve got dangerous people, foreign governments that want to take us down,” said Kristi Noem. She made no mention of the agency’s role in immigration or border security during her address to the agency’s 260,000 staff Tuesday.

Noem started out her day in New York to watch immigration enforcement operations.

The secretary oversees key agencies with responsibility for immigration and border security including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks to employees at the Department of Homeland Security, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Washington. Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press

Senate Democrats denounce Trump’s Jan. 6 assault pardons — 5:41 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Senate Democrats are pushing a resolution that condemns Trump for pardoning Jan. 6 rioters who were found guilty of assaulting police officers at the Capitol, but their effort was halted by Republican leadership.

Every Senate Democrat signed onto the resolution earlier this week, and the caucus tried Tuesday to speed it through the Senate through the unanimous consent process. However, Senator John Barrasso, the no. 2 Senate Republican leader, objected to passage of the bill.


Trump signs executive order aimed at curtailing gender transitions for kids — 5:16 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump signed an executive order aimed at curtailing gender transitions for people under age 19.

It’s the latest push by Trump to reverse policies set by the Biden administration to protect transgender people and their care. On Monday, Trump directed the Pentagon to conduct a review that is likely to lead to them being barred from military service.

The order directs that federally-run insurance programs, including TRICARE for military families and Medicaid, exclude coverage for such care, and calls on the Department of Justice to vigorously pursue litigation and legislation to oppose the practice.

READ MORE


Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans — 5:01 p.m.

By the Associated Press

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans that could total trillions of dollars.

US District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the action, minutes before it was set to go into effect. The administrative stay pauses the freeze until Monday.

The White House had planned to start the pause as they begin an across-the-board ideological review of federal spending.


Mass. climate projects in limbo under Trump — 4:55 p.m.

By Erin Douglas, Globe Staff

Almost $5 billion in federal energy, climate, infrastructure, and environment money is slated to come to Massachusetts, according to a Globe analysis, from laws passed during the Biden Administration.

The pause on federal grants and loans, however, makes it unclear which of those projects will ultimately be funded and whether the new administration can reverse the contracts.

The projects include $389 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act to modernize and make power grids in New England more resilient, for example.

The laws that allocated the climate money — the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — appear to be explicitly targeted by the Administration’s Office of Management and Budget memo, but the language is unclear.

Senator Ed Markey pointed out that the majority of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act has gone toward Republican districts, suggesting that there ought to be bipartisan support in Congress for opposing the Trump Administration’s attempts to slash climate funds.

“Congress passed this funding,” Markey wrote in a statement on the social media platform. “It’s not Trump’s to stop on a whim. This is a violation of the law and basic decency.”


There are about 1,600 US active duty troops now at the border — 4:39 p.m.

By the Associated Press

As of Tuesday, the total number of US active duty troops at the border is now about 1,600. That is a slight uptick from the 1,500 that was initially expected to go and just represents the total number that ended up deploying in order to meet the first deployment order and the required mission.

Officials said that there are still about 500 Marines, but the number of Army soldiers went up a little bit. No additional deployments have been ordered by the Pentagon so far.


Education department, housing office some of top federal grant recipients in Mass. — 3:42 p.m.

By Neena Hagen, Globe Staff

Each year, Massachusetts agencies receive billions in federal grant funding. In fiscal year 2025, which began July 1, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education led the pack, with $1.7 billion in projected grants. That amount included largely special assistance funds, COVID relief money, and special education grants, according to the Globe’s review of the state’s detailed budget.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities wasn’t far behind with nearly $1.1 billion in expected federal grant funds. About two-thirds of that sum was allocated to the Housing Choice Voucher, and Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs.

The Housing Choice Voucher program, which provides housing assistance to low-income and other disadvantaged people, is among the top recipients of any state program, with more than $471 million allocated in fiscal year 2025.


Vance to sit down with Fox News’ Hannity — 3:34 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Vice President JD Vance will sit down with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Wednesday. It comes one week after Hannity sat down in the Oval Office with President Trump on his second full day on the job.

The interview will be taped earlier in the day in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where Vance’s office is located, and will air at 9 p.m.


White House confirms website for Medicaid payments is down — 3:23 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The website that states use to get Medicaid payments from the federal government is down, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a X social media post.

She said that states would still have their payments processed. The outage, which occurred just after the White House ordered a pause on federal grants, raises concerns that billions in Medicaid funding would be cut off.

Leavitt said “no payments have been affected” and “the portal will be back online shortly.”


Democrats begin to protest Trump nominees over federal freeze — 3:21 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Senate Democrats were scrambling to respond to Trump’s federal assistance freeze, holding impromptu press conferences and media availability to get the word out about the “unconstitutionality” of what the administration was doing. Among the tactics being deployed is protesting the president’s Cabinet nominees.

Democratic Senator Chris Coons and others voted against Transportation secretary nominee Sean Duffy on Tuesday after voting to proceed with his confirmation the day before.

“However, in light of President Trump’s disastrous and illegal order last night to freeze all federal aid, including millions for those very transportation investments, I could not support Mr. Duffy’s nomination or any of President Trump’s nominees for the duration this directive is in place,” the Delaware lawmaker wrote in a statement. “President Trump has tried to defy Congress’s constitutional appropriations role. He cannot defy our advice and consent role.”


‘Still analyzing what it really means’ for public health — 3:15 p.m.

By Jason Laughlin, Globe Staff

Carlene Pavlos, executive director of the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance, tried to maintain perspective amid the chaos and confusion that followed the OMB memo.

”We are really concerned about this newest order but also are still analyzing what it really means,” said Pavlos, whose organization, a nonprofit advocacy group, has been deeply involved in improving public health services in the state. “It isn’t clear on the face of it, even from the intent point of view, how broad and deep this order is. It’s not even clear if it’s legal, as power of the purse belongs to Congress.”

She, like many others, said the order as written didn’t make clear exactly what programs would experience a funding pause, but mirrored other administration messaging in its vagueness and sweep.

”All of it feels intentional to sow a sense of panic and chaos, uncertainty, all of which leads to fear,” Pavlos said. “Who has the power and what is the intent of this order? Is it intended to claw back money already in state hands, is it intended to not make new awards, is it intended to not follow through on existing awards?”

Federal funding plays a significant role in public health initiatives, she said. That includes federal block grants that support substance addiction services and maternal and child health programs, and federal money that goes directly to the Department of Public Health. The stated goal of the OMB memo, to target, “Marxist equity” programs in government, could be construed to include health equity programs that work to ensure access to health services for people in marginalized communities, Pavlos said.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and drew attention to the significant differences in health outcomes for people in poorer communities and people of color.


Higher ed leaders call on Trump to rescind grant freeze — 3:06 p.m.

By Hilary Burns, Globe Staff

Higher education leaders are calling on the Trump administration to rescind the White House Office of Management and Budget’s memo directing federal agencies to freeze federal grants.

Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education in Washington, D.C., which represents more than 1,600 colleges and universities, says the freeze on federal grants is “bad public policy.”

”These are grants that have been issued and are undertaken in good faith with the approval of the federal government, authorized by Congress, and it is really over the top to unilaterally and abruptly freeze them without any sort of prior notice,” Mitchell said in an interview.

Federal Pell Grants for low-income students and federal student loans are excluded from the freeze, Mitchell said. Underscoring the paucity of information available when the freezes were announced, he said his team spent much of the morning Tuesday trying to figure out how financial aid might be affected.Work-study programs, however, are included in the freeze. Many students rely on these programs to earn money to help pay for college.

The idea that hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of grants will be reviewed in a timely manner is “preposterous,” Mitchell said. In the meantime, he said, university leaders are worried. Individual colleges will have to make budgeting decisions during the freeze, which could cause a “cash flow problem” for many institutions.

”We don’t know enough about the particulars of this freeze to know whether to be angry, worried, resentful, maybe even hopeful, and that’s going to evolve over the next couple of days,” Mitchell said. “But I think in general, university leaders have dedicated their careers to building the human capital, the intellectual enterprise, the infrastructure of America, and we’re worried about our continued capacity to do that.”

Other higher education leaders also expressed concern Tuesday about the impacts of the freeze on American innovation.

Mark Becker, president of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, said in a statement the freeze “will sideline world-leading American scientists who are working toward cures for cancer, developing breakthroughs in AI and quantum computing, driving progress in advanced manufacturing, and supporting American farmers.”

”It will have far-reaching impacts in every corner of the country and hamper American innovation at a moment when it’s being fiercely challenged on a global stage,” Becker said. The administration’s action “has unnecessarily injected an enormous amount of confusion and uncertainty across the nation. We urge the Trump administration to reverse this sweeping order.”


New York AG says funding freeze already having an effect on vital programs — 3:00 p.m.

By the Associated Press

At a news conference announcing a lawsuit aimed at blocking the pause, Attorney General Letitia James said Head Start funding was frozen in Michigan, access to child development block grants was cut off in Maryland and at least 20 states have been unable to access Medicaid reimbursement systems, including New York.

There is no question these policies are reckless, dangerous, illegal and unconstitutional,” said James, who was joined on the call by five other Democratic state attorneys general.

James said the lawsuit, being filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, will seek a temporary restraining order to restart the flow of federal funding.


GOP chairman questions Trump about inspector general firings in a bipartisan letter — 2:48 p.m.

By the Associated Press

In a rare joint letter, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee requested for President Trump to provide “substantive rationale” behind his decision Friday to dismiss inspectors general for 18 offices.

The move did not provide Congress the legally required 30-day notices about the removals.

“This is a matter of public and congressional accountability and ensuring the public’s confidence in the Inspector General community, a sentiment shared more broadly by other Members of Congress,” Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Dick Durbin of Illinois wrote. “IGs are critical to rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within the Executive Branch bureaucracy, which you have publicly made clear you are also intent on doing.”


Trump’s voters wanted the government to do less — 2:43 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump’s voters in the November election were much more likely than voters overall to say that government was doing “too many things better left to businesses and individuals,” according to AP VoteCast.

About two-thirds of his supporters said that government was too involved, whereas only about one-third said “government should do more to solve problems.”

That was not a view shared by voters overall. Slightly more than half of voters, 53%, said the government should be doing more to address issues. Only 45% said the government was doing too many things that ought to be handled by individuals.

Hat's showing support for President Donald Trump are seen for sale Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Washington.Ben Curtis/Associated Press

Rhode Island AG calls Trump’s federal funding freeze ‘ham-handed’ — 2:41 p.m.

By Samantha J. Gross, Globe Staff

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha slammed the Trump administration Tuesday for its move to freeze federal funding.

Neronha spoke during a press conference of six Democratic attorneys general who announced they are seeking a court order to stop the enforcement of Trump’s policy.

”What a ham-handed way to run a government,” he said. “Every American, every Rhode Islander is impacted by this. If you drive on a road, you’re impacted. If you get health care, you’re impacted. If your children are being educated in our schools, you’re impacted.”


Caroline Kennedy warns against confirming her cousin Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to lead nation’s health department — 2:39 p.m.

By the Associated Press

On the eve of his first confirmation hearing, she said her cousin “lacks any relevant government, financial management or medical experience” for the job.

But in a letter to the Senate committee leaders obtained by the Associated Press, Caroline Kennedy outlined personal qualities that “for me, pose even greater concern.”

The letter was first reported by The Washington Post.

Caroline Kennedy said she tries not to speak for her father, the late former president John F. Kennedy, or his brothers, Robert F. Kennedy and Edward Kennedy, but she said she believes they “would be disgusted.”


Leavitt says a White House freeze on federal aid wouldn’t affect people directly receiving aid — 2:36 p.m.

By the Associated Press

But during her White House press briefing, she was much less clear about what will happen to those who get indirect aid — through their states, other organizations or many other ways.

And while Leavitt said beneficiaries of programs like Social Security and Medicare would not be affected, she did not say Medicaid wouldn’t be affected.

Pressed on Medicaid payments being cut off to individuals, Leavitt said “I’ll check back on that.”

The White House subsequently said Medicaid wouldn’t be affected.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answers questions about federal grants and loans pause
Karoline Leavitt said the federal loan and grant pause won’t affect Medicare, Social Security at press briefing Tuesday.

MassHealth not halting payments to providers or plans — 2:34 p.m.

By Jason Laughlin, Globe Staff

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that it received clarification from the Office of Management and Budget that programs such as Medicaid and SNAP can continue. Nevertheless, MassHealth reported trouble accessing the federal Payment Management System, the state reported, a problem other states have reported as well. It is not clear if this is related to the funding freeze, but MassHealth emphasized it is not halting any payments to providers or plans.

HHS is reviewing how this memo affects its programs, but the reach could be significant. The office’s proposed $33.3 billion budget for FY 26, which covers services including child welfare, elder services, and supports for seniors and people with disabilities, includes $6 billion in federal funding, trusts, and intergovernmental service funds.


Massachusetts still missing $40 million in Medicaid amid funding freeze, AG Campbell says — 2:32 p.m.

By Samantha J. Gross, Globe Staff

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said the state tried to draw $40 million in Medicaid funds on Monday and have not received the payment yet, a request made amid the news that the White House is pausing federal grants and loans starting Tuesday.

Campbell made the revelation during a press conference of six Democratic attorneys general who announced Tuesday they are seeking a court order to stop the enforcement of Trump’s policy, which could affect a myriad of critical programs such as Medicaid, preschool for low-income families, and electricity for low-income seniors.

”The president’s directive to pause federal aid, simply put, violates the separation of powers,” Campbell said during a news conference Tuesday. “Congress controls the purse strings and the executive branch cannot decide to halt funding just because they don’t like how Congress chooses to spend it.”


House Democratic leader to hold ‘emergency’ meeting on Trump funding freeze — 2:13 p.m.

By the Associated Press

In a letter to House Democrats on Tuesday, Leader Hakeem Jeffries blasted the Trump administration’s federal assistance freeze as “ripping off hardworking Americans.”

“The Republican Rip Off will raise the cost of living for the working class, while hurting children, seniors, veterans, first responders, houses of worship and everyday Americans in need,” the New York lawmaker wrote. He added that Democrats will hold an emergency caucus meeting Wednesday to discuss a “comprehensive three-pronged counteroffensive.”


New White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has wrapped up her first briefing — 2:10 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Leavitt took questions from reporters for nearly 50 minutes and repeatedly defended President Trump on scores of issues — including immigration crackdowns and a freezing of federal funding for a bevy of programs.

She noted that, at 27, she’s the youngest-ever press secretary and said she’d been in the Oval Office speaking to Trump just before the briefing.

Leavitt was at time cautious, saying she “didn’t want to get ahead” of Trump. She also swiped at former President Biden, saying he might have been sleeping upstairs at the White House as inflation rose in recent years.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a briefing at the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/Associated Press

The drones over New Jersey were ‘authorized’ and ‘not the enemy,’ Trump administration says — 2:05 p.m.

By the Associated Press

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered an update from Trump during a briefing Tuesday, saying the Federal Aviation Administration approved the flights, which captured the public’s attention over a month ago.

“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt said. “Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones.

She added: “It got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.” She said the news came directly from the president.

The drones led to widespread curiosity as well as some confusion and worry last month. State and Biden administration officials had said there was no evidence of anything nefarious with the sightings.

Trump had said the “government knows” what was happening with the drones. He said at the time, “I can’t imagine it’s the enemy because if it’s the enemy they’d blast it out.”

This photo provided by Trisha Bushey shows the evening sky and points of light near in Lebanon Township, N.J., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Trisha Bushey/Associated Press

A ‘significant impact’ on Boston’s Fenway Health — 2:02 p.m.

By Kay Lazar, Globe Staff

The freeze will have a “significant impact” on Fenway Health in Boston, which serves roughly 33,000 patients a year, said Dallas Ducar, the nonprofit’s executive vice president for donor engagement and external relations. Fenway receives about $20 million a year in federal funding, which is 14 percent of the organization’s budget for providing health care, public health programs, and research.

“Right now, we are assessing the immediate actions we may need to take to ensure the sustainability of our organization,” Ducar said. Fenway is known for its decades-long care and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, and Ducar said potential restrictions on program income or changes in grant conditions going forward could significantly affect the future of such critical services like gender affirming care, which was targeted by Trump’s executive orders last week. But the health center also provides primary care, dental, optometry and other essential health services, as well.

“We are working with local, state, and national partners to understand this memo and are advocating with Congressional leaders, clinicians and others to ensure we prevent harm to the communities we serve,” she said. “Fenway is committed to ensuring the communities we serve, especially those most vulnerable, will continue to receive high quality care and support.”


Meals on Wheels says the confusion over the federal aid pause puts its programs at risk — 1:45 p.m.

By the Associated Press

“The lack of clarity and uncertainty right now is creating chaos for local Meals on Wheels providers not knowing whether they’re going to be reimbursed for meals served today, tomorrow, who knows how long this could go on,” spokeswoman Jenny Young wrote in an email. “Which unfortunately means seniors may panic not knowing where their next meals will come from.”

The main funding for Meals on Wheels, which feeds more than 2 million seniors annually, and other senior nutrition programs is a grant distributed by the federal Administration on Aging to state governments that then send the money to individual providers.

“We need clarity now,” Young added.

Meals are prepared as volunteers arrive to gather the food for their routes on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Broken Arrow, Okla. Meals on Wheels resumed hot meal delivery. Michael Noble Jr., Tulsa World/Associated Press

State health departments are scrambling to understand effects of the Trump administration’s grant-funding memo — 1:40 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Spokespeople for South Carolina, Maine and Washington’s agencies said they’re still trying to determine how the federal document will affect them, including their funding.

Maine Governor Janet Mills said in a statement that she was “deeply concerned” by the directive, which she added is “causing entirely needless chaos and confusion across Maine and the nation that will turn into real and serious harm if it continues.”


Senate Republicans are mostly offering little resistance to Trump’s pause on federal grants and loans — 1:38 p.m.

By the Associated Press

But they acknowledged it was a test of his power over Congressionally-approved programs and could affect their states.

Many GOP senators emphasized that the freeze was so far temporary and that they were trying to find out more about how far it would reach. Others said it was the right move.

“It makes sense to me,” said Senator Jim Banks, a Republican from Indiana.

Still, some cautioned that backlash could grow if the freeze is prolonged or if it affects programs like disaster aid.

Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican whose state of North Carolina is recovering from tropical storms, said, “I can’t imagine that the president would knowingly cut off housing assistance for people displaced from their homes so we’ve just got to sort through it and see how they ultimately implement it.”


Trump White House adds seats for ‘new media voices’ in the briefing room — 1:33 p.m.

By the Associated Press

During her first media briefing Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was opening up seats beside her podium, which had traditionally been occupied by administration staff, to “new media voices.”

Two of those seats were occupied Tuesday by Axios and Breitbart, a conservative news outlet.

Other traditional assigned seating in the room wasn’t changed.

Leavitt said more Americans are getting their news from nontraditional new sources, rather than legacy outlets who already have briefing room seats.

“I take great pride in opening up this room to new media voices,” she said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on welcoming 'new media' to briefing room
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said her team will review press pass applications from new media voices including podcasters and influencers.

Mass. leaders fearful after Trump’s order freezing loans, grants — 1:29 p.m.

By Danny McDonald and Emma Platoff, Globe Staff

The Trump administration’s announcement of a pause in federal grants and loans Tuesday, as it conducts an ideological review of spending, sent shockwaves throughout Massachusetts, stunning experts and sending elected officials scrambling to figure out what will be affected by such a fiscal standstill.

READ MORE


Leavitt begins first news briefing of the new Trump presidency by listing recent arrests of unauthorized immigrants — 1:27 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Dressed in a magenta pantsuit with a cross necklace, Leavitt went on Tuesday through the administration’s actions since Trump returned to the presidency last week. She said reporters have “access to the most transparent and accessible president in American history.”

Leavitt said the White House will talk much more broadly to new media outlets and will accept applications from podcasters and social media influencers to be in the briefing room. Leavitt also said people who lost their White House press passes during Joe Biden’s presidency will have their access returned.

The first question went to Mike Allen of Axios.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

Netanyahu says Trump has invited him to the White House on Feb. 4 — 1:26 p.m.

By the Associated Press

This will make Netanyahu the first foreign leader to visit Washington in Trump’s second term.

The visit comes as the United States is pressuring Israel and Hamas to continue a ceasefire that has paused a devastating 15-month war in Gaza.


Caroline Kennedy writes letter to senators ahead of RFK Jr. confirmation hearing — 1:23 p.m.

By Alyssa Vega, Globe Staff

In a video statement posted to social media Tuesday, Caroline Kennedy read a statement she sent to Senators about her cousin Robert F Kennedy Jr., calling him “a predator.”

READ MORE


Jim Acosta announces CNN departure on the air — 1:15 p.m.

By Travis Andersen, Globe Staff

Longtime CNN anchor Jim Acosta said Tuesday that he’s leaving the network after nearly 20 years, telling viewers during a heartfelt signoff not to “give into the lies.”

READ MORE


White House holds its first press briefing of Trump’s second term. Watch it live. — 1:08 p.m.

By Globe Staff


Mayor Wu says city is ‘on solid footing’ in wake of Trump’s federal aid freeze, though uncertainty remains — 1:01 p.m.

By Emma Platoff, Globe Staff

In the wake of the news that the Trump administration is looking to block all federal Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said there is a great deal that remains uncertain but that “the city is on solid footing right now” thanks to months of work put in before Trump took office.

”We’re really not quite sure what the intended target is. What we do know is that we are going to continue complying with every bit of legal requirements as we always do,” Wu told reporters at City Hall on Tuesday, her first day back in person after delivering her third child two weeks ago.

Wu said the city has for months been reviewing sources of federal funding, including grant money awarded under the Biden administration that she said is “contractually obligated” to be sent to the city, as well as funding that municipalities across the country receive on a regular basis for everything from housing to public safety.

”This is a wide-ranging threat that impacts every city around the country and the most basic services that are offered, on funding for police and fire and housing and addressing homelessness. So I can’t imagine that it will be implemented to the fullest,” Wu said. “It affects blue states. It affects red states. It’s really, every single person in the country is impacted in some way here. So we will wait to see what happens. But we also have been putting in the work ahead of time to make sure that we would be on a solid legal footing.”


Lieutenant Governor Driscoll reacts to federal funding freeze — 12:54 p.m.

By Jon Chesto, Globe Staff

In an interview with the Globe on Tuesday morning, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said the Healey administration is concerned about the potential impact of the Trump administration’s pause on federal loans and grants.

”Obviously we are concerned about it,” Driscoll said. “It doesn’t feel like what anyone had in mind when they elected this president.”

She said billions of dollars could be at risk, for everything from road construction to food assistance.”We hope this pause will not result in lost jobs and higher utility costs and less school funding and cuts to health care,” Driscoll said. “That [hurts] everybody across the board.”

Driscoll said the administration is coordinating with state Attorney General Andrea Campbell and AGs in other states to see what legal actions can be taken to protect federal funds that have already been pledged.


Sean Duffy confirmed as transportation secretary, a key role in helping Trump cut regulations and fix infrastructure — 12:45 p.m.

By the Associated Press

It gives him a key role in helping President Trump cut regulations and fix the nation’s infrastructure.

The former Wisconsin congressman has promised safer Boeing planes, less regulation and help for US companies developing self-driving cars — while not giving any breaks to Elon Musk, a key player in that technology.

Duffy, a 53-year-old former reality TV star, was approved with bipartisan support on a 77-22 vote in the Senate.

He takes over the Department of Transportation at a crucial time at the agency, a massive employer of more than 55,000 that spends tens of billions of dollars annually, oversees the nation’s highways, railroads and airspace and sets safety standards for trains, cars and trucks.

Sean Duffy.Kent Nishimura/Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Blo

West Virginia’s GOP governor says Trump’s funding pause ‘generally is correct’ — 12:43 p.m.

By the Associated Press

As of midday Tuesday, West Virginia Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey said he didn’t yet have much insight into how the White House freeze on federal grants and loans would affect the state or its residents. Almost half of the state’s annual budget is made up of federal funds.

“What we’re going to do is we’re going to try to unpack that and talk with the Trump administration about that,” he said.

He then on to say “President Trump is going to be an amazing president.”

“Look, I do think what President Trump is trying to do generally is correct,” he said. “The federal government and quite frankly, the state government, has operated way beyond its means. Right? So you finally have leadership in Washington, you have leadership here in Charleston. I’m going to work just like President Trump to tackle the issues and be transparent.”


Will billions for Medicaid be halted? — 12:36 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Medicaid is notably not exempt from a White House directive to pause all federal grants and loans by the end of day Tuesday. Medicare and Social Security, however, were spared in the memo.

The US Health and Human Services agency doles out over a half trillion dollars to states in a joint partnership to run Medicaid, the nation’s health care coverage for about 80 million of the poorest of Americans, including millions of children.

A spokesman for Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office said the state’s agencies have reported issues accessing the website used to request disbursement for Medicaid payments.

HHS did not immediately respond to questions about the spending freeze and whether Medicaid payments would continue.


AG Campbell slams Trump’s pause on federal aid — 12:30 p.m.

By Samantha J. Gross, Globe Staff

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell slammed President Trump’s directive to pause federal loans and grants as “a reckless abuse of power,” pledging that her office is looking into how to block the move.

Her comments followed news that Massachusetts would join a lawsuit seeking to block the White House directive.

”Massachusetts residents rely on billions of dollars in federal funds daily for their health and child care, food and the roads we drive on,” Campbell wrote on X. “This will hurt families. We’re exploring prompt action to stop it.”

Campbell’s comments come shortly after a coalition of state attorneys general announced plans to sue in hopes of blocking the order that would pause all federal grants and loans by 5 p.m.The coalition is led by the New York State attorney general, Letitia James, and the lawsuit is expected to be filed in the Southern District of New York, the New York Times reported. California, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island have joined the suit as well.


Voting rights groups are concerned about priorities shifting under Trump’s Justice Department — 12:15 p.m.

By the Associated Press

That’s because the Justice Department appears poised to take a very different approach to investigating voting and elections.

Conservative calls to overhaul the department by removing career employees, increasing federal voter fraud cases and investigating the 2020 election are raising concerns among voting rights groups about the future of the agency under Pam Bondi, a longtime ally of President Trump.

Bondi supported Trump’s legal efforts to overturn the 2020 Pennsylvania election results, has reiterated his false claims about his loss that year and during her Senate confirmation hearing refused to directly state that former President Biden won, saying only that she accepted the results. She pledged to remain independent.

“Nobody should be prosecuted for political purposes,” Bondi told senators.

The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee said after the hearing that he was struggling with Bondi’s responses to key questions.

“Pam Bondi has proved herself loyal to Donald Trump and wealthy special interests — and not the American people,” Illinois Senator Dick Durbin said in a Jan. 15 statement. “The American people deserve an attorney general who will protect their right to vote always, not only when it’s convenient or suits your political party.”

Bondi’s nomination is scheduled for a committee vote Wednesday.


Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers: ‘States are left to plan for the worst’ — 12:04 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The Democratic governor wrote President Trump a letter Tuesday asking him to delay implementation of the pause on federal aid and provide “immediate guidance, information, and clarification” on its effects.

Evers said he was “deeply concerned that these actions could have disastrous consequences for the people of Wisconsin and our state.”

Evers said more time is needed for a “thorough and thoughtful review and feedback from all those who may be directly impacted.”

“With very few details and specifics available, virtually no time for ample review and consideration, and no direct communication to date, states are left to plan for the worst,” Evers said in the letter.

He said Wisconsin residents and millions of Americans “rightfully alarmed and concerned by this unprecedented decision are left scrambling.”


EPA says it’s working to implement pause on federal grants and loans ordered by the White House — 11:49 a.m.

By the Associated Press

An Environmental Protection Agency spokeswoman says the pause will “align federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through President Trump’s priorities.”

The agency is temporarily pausing all activities related to the obligation or disbursement of EPA federal financial assistance, spokeswoman Molly Vaseliou said Tuesday.

The EPA controls billions of dollars in grants and other spending, including through the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law, as well as programs intended to ensure safe drinking water and other goals. The money goes to state and local governments as well as tribes and nonprofit groups.

“EPA is continuing to work with OMB as they review processes, policies and programs, as required by the memorandum,” Vaseliou said.


NY Attorney General Letitia James plans to file a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s funding freeze — 11:42 a.m.

By the Associated Press

James, a Democrat, will ask a Manhattan federal court to issue a temporary retraining order halting the Republican administration’s action, which is set to halt federal grants and funding streams.

“My office will be taking imminent legal action against this administration’s unconstitutional pause on federal funding,” James said in a social media post. “We won’t sit idly by while this administration harms our families.”

On Monday, she knocked the freeze as “reckless and dangerous” and a threat to families that rely on those funds.

James has been a fierce critic of Trump and his policies. She sued his first administration dozens of times, challenging policies on the environment, immigration, education, health care and other issues. She also fought Trump on his plans to include a question about immigration status on the Census, winning in the US Supreme Court.

She also sued him over his practices as a businessman, winning a civil fraud judgment against him, his company and top executives last year that has soared to more than $500 million with interest. Trump is appealing.

Surrounded by people involved with the fight against the opioid epidemic, New York Attorney General Letitia James, center, speaks about a settlement with regard to the opioid crisis at a news conference in New York, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Seth Wenig/Associated Press

A Trump defense department nominee faces questions over withholding Ukraine aid — 11:38 a.m.

By the Associated Press

President Trump’s nominee to be the military’s top weapons buyer is an official who directed the Pentagon to withhold aid from Ukraine in 2019 as Trump sought a commitment from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate the Biden family — a key component of the impeachment of Trump in his first term.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned whether Michael Duffey would follow the law as top weapons buyer overseeing a $311 billion budget. He’s Trump’s nominee to be undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment Monday about Duffey’s nomination or whether his nomination signaled a change in direction for weapons support to Ukraine.


Advocacy groups ready to file the first lawsuit to challenge Trump’s new order on transgender troops — 11:30 a.m.

By the Associated Press

It’s the same legal team that spent years fighting Trump’s ban on transgender troops in his first administration, tying it up in the courts before then-President Biden scrapped it when he took office.

Trump’s new order, signed Monday, claims the sexual identity of transgender service members “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle” and is harmful to military readiness. It requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to issue a revised policy.

“The law is very clear that the government can’t base policies on disapproval of particular groups of people. That’s animus. And animus-based laws are presumed to be invalid and unconstitutional,” said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


Senators call Trump’s funding freeze an attack on communities and the power of Congress — 11:17 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Democratic Senators are describing panicked calls coming overnight from communities back home afraid of what will happen to programs for children, seniors, public works and disease research as the Trump administration pauses federal funding for review.

“This is no way to govern,” Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, said at a news conference at the Capitol.

Congress has the power of the purse but the administration’s action is seen as a direct challenge to that authority, all but courting legal action with drawn out lawsuits.

“This is a profound constitutional issue,” said Senator Angus King, the independent from Maine.

“What happened last night is he most direct assault on the authority of Congress. I believe , in the history of the United States,” King said.


Senate Democrats call for postponing confirmation vote of Trump’s budget chief — 11:01 a.m.

By the Associated Press

That comes after the “massive, massive overreach” of the administration’s sudden funding freeze, said Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington state.

Trump’s budget director nominee, Russ Vought, is widely understood to be the chief architect of the plan Murray said Americans did not sign up for.

“Trump’s actions would wreak havoc in red and blue communities everywhere,” Murray said.

“We are talking about our small towns, or cities our school districts,” she said.

She said Vought’s confirmation should be on hold until the Trump administration follows the law.


Longtime budget watchers warn Trump’s funding freeze is threatening programs Americans depend on — 10:44 a.m.

By the Associated Press

“This new OMB memo is certain to cause chaos and could result in serious harm to a broad swath of people and communities around the country,” wrote Sharon Parrott a former White House budget official who’s now president of the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.

She said the Trump administration “seems determined to subvert Congress, its hand-waving about following the law notwithstanding.”


Senator Chuck Schumer says congressional offices have been ‘deluged with calls from people in panic’ — 10:44 a.m.

By the Associated Press

“This decision is lawless, dangerous, destructive, cruel. It’s illegal,” Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said at the Capitol.

“Plain and simple, this is Project 2025.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., joined from left by fellow Democrats Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., slams President Trump's action to freeze federal grants, calling the move illegal and unconstitutional, during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

Education Department says the pause doesn’t apply to grants received directly by individuals — 10:43 a.m.

By the Associated Press

That includes the more than 40 million Americans with federal student loans and 7 million with federal Pell Grants for low-income students.

This means students who rely on federal financial aid to pay for tuition and other costs are not expected to see any disruption from the pause. Department officials said they’re still reviewing the effect of the memo.


The White House memo on federal aid came as a shock to some — 10:36 a.m.

By the Associated Press

“We’ve never seen anything like this,” said Marcia Howard, executive director of Federal Funds Information for States, a nonprofit that analyzes the effect of federal actions on states. “It is unprecedented.”

Although the federal government has rescinded unspent funds in the past, it hasn’t normally halted grants on the front-end, she said. The grant pause is perhaps most similar to a federal government shutdown, when a congressional impasse on spending legislation delays federal payments for some state and local services.

“What we generally have observed with states under those circumstances is that a couple of weeks isn’t hugely disruptive,” Howard said.

States on average receive about 30% of their revenues from the federal government, according to Federal Funds Information for States. The largest grant program is Medicaid, which provides health care for lower-income children and adults. But it’s unclear whether the Trump administration’s pause will interrupt the flow of Medicaid reimbursement funds to states.

The White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022. Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg

The pause is the latest example Trump harnessing his power to advance his conservative goals — 10:33 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Washington is a hub of spending that flows to various departments, local governments, nonprofits and contractors, and the memo has left countless people who are dependent on that money wondering how they’ll be affected.

Unlike during his first term, when Trump and many members of his inner circle were unfamiliar with Washington, this time he’s reaching deep into the bureaucracy.

“They are pushing the president’s agenda from the bottom up,” said Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University.

He also said there are risks in Trump’s approach, especially with so many voters reliant on Washington.

“You can’t just hassle, hassle, hassle. You’ve got to deliver.”


Immigrant and refugee advocates were cut off even before Monday’s funding pause — 10:16 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Last week, the Justice Department halted contracts to provide legal information to people facing deportation in immigration court. Government-funded nonprofit groups were told in an email “to stop work immediately” on helping people navigate the system’s complex laws and procedures.

“We often hear that people don’t know what’s happening. Why are they detained? What’s going to happen next? And we are being stopped from even giving that basic level of orientation,” said Michael Lukens, executive director of Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.

The State Department told groups that give temporary housing and job training to resettled refugees to stop work immediately on government-funded efforts. Global Refuge said it affected 5,870 refugees under its watch.

“Recently arrived refugees who fled unimaginable danger and lawfully came to the US rely on the initial assistance of Global Refuge to help them navigate life in America,” Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, the group’s president, wrote in a fund-raising pitch Monday.


State official awaiting guidance on effect of memo pausing federal loans and grants — 10:06 a.m.

By the Associated Press

In Kansas, state Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said he learned of the Trump administration’s move Monday night and that the agency is still reviewing it and awaiting more guidance from federal officials.

Federal funds are a key source of money for highway and bridge projects, and the department expects to receive $664 million in federal funds during the 12 months beginning July 1, almost 40% of its annual budget of nearly $1.7 billion.

“We think it’s a low risk for our typical everyday highway projects,” he said Tuesday, before briefing a legislative committee on his department’s operations. “The target seems to be some of the initiatives that the Trump administration has said publicly that they want to change, things like DEI, electric vehicle infrastructure.”


Democrats and independent organizations criticize the administration for federal grant pause — 9:59 a.m.

By the Associated Press

They described the administration’s actions as capricious and illegal because Congress had already authorized the funding.

“More lawlessness and chaos in America as Donald Trump’s Administration blatantly disobeys the law by holding up virtually all vital funds that support programs in every community across the country,” said a statement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York. “If this continues, the American people will pay an awful price.”


Medicare and Social Security benefits won’t be affected by the pause in federal grants and loans — 9:10 a.m.

By the Associated Press

That’s according to the memo on the pause from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.

But there was no explanation of whether the pause would affect Medicaid, food stamps, disaster assistance and other programs. The memo said it should be implemented “to the extent permissible under applicable law.”


Pentagon directed by Trump to begin developing the capability to shoot down missiles from space — 8:45 a.m.

By the Associated Press

For years, the US has cautioned that China, Russia and others were weaponizing space. It has at times declassified information about both countries’ efforts to create offensive weapons to disable critical US satellites, including the capability to move satellites from orbit, temporarily blind them or potentially even destroy them.

The US Space Force is building a low-orbit ring of redundant satellites that can more quickly track and detect potential missile launches.

But establishing a way to shoot missiles down from space is something the US hasn’t pursued since President Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative — “Star Wars” as it was commonly known — in the 1980s. The system was never developed due to cost and technological limitations.

The Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Friday, April 9, 2021. Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg

Trump is pausing federal loans and grants as his administration reviews spending — 8:35 a.m.

By the Associated Press

The decision by the Republican administration could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Even grants that have been awarded but not spent are supposed to be halted.

“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” said a memo from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The pause takes effect Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET, and it’s unclear from the memo how sweeping it will be. Vaeth said all spending must comply with Trump’s executive orders, which are intended to undo progressive steps on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts.


Google to change map names for Gulf of Mexico and Denali when the US updates them — 8:25 a.m.

By the Associated Press

After taking office, President Donald Trump ordered that the water bordered by the Southern United States, Mexico and Cuba be renamed to the Gulf of America. He also ordered America’s highest mountain peak be changed back to Mt. McKinley.

“We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,” Google said in a post on X.

The company said Maps will reflect any updates to the Geographic Names Information System, a database of more than 1 million geographic features in the United States.

“When that happens, we will update Google Maps in the U.S. quickly to show Mount McKinley and Gulf of America,” Google said.


Karoline Leavitt, the new White House press secretary, will hold her first briefing Tuesday — 8:15 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Although Leavitt recently took questions from reporters aboard Air Force One, she hasn’t used the briefing room until Tuesday’s briefing, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

During President Trump’s first term, it was the site of clashes between the administration and journalists. It also went unused for long stretches of time. Trump’s third press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, never held a briefing.

It’s unclear how frequently Leavitt, the youngest press secretary at 27, plans to speak from the podium, a role that will make her among the most recognizable members of Trump’s administration.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt watches as President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/Associated Press

US places dozens of senior aid officials on leave, citing possible resistance to Trump orders — 8:06 a.m.

By the Associated Press

At least 56 senior officials in the top US aid and development agency were placed on leave Monday amid an investigation into an alleged effort to thwart President Trump’s orders.

A current official and a former official at the US Agency for International Development confirmed the reason given for the move Monday. Both spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Several hundred contractors based in Washington and elsewhere also were laid off, the officials said.

It follows Trump’s executive order last week that directed a sweeping 90-day pause on most US foreign assistance disbursed through the State Department.

As a result of the freeze, thousands of US-funded humanitarian, development and security programs worldwide had stopped work or were preparing to do so. Without funds to pay staff, aid organizations were laying off hundreds of employees.


Netanyahu hopes to meet Trump in Washington as soon as next week, US officials say — 7:56 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to meet with President Trump in Washington as early as next week, according to two US officials familiar with preliminary planning for the trip.

Should the trip come together in that timeframe, Netanyahu could be the first foreign leader to meet with Trump at the White House since his inauguration last week. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the planning remains tentative, said details could be arranged when Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, travels to Israel this week for talks with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.

Trump teased the upcoming visit in a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, but didn’t provide scheduling details. “I’m going to be speaking with Bibi Netanyahu in the not too distant future,” he said.

Netanyahu’s plans were first reported by Axios. Netanyahu’s spokesman, Omer Dostri, said Monday on the social platform X that the Israeli leader has not yet received an official invitation to the White House.

An Israeli official, however, said Netanyahu is expected to go to the White House in February but did not have a date. That official spoke on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Yariv Katz/Associated Press

Trump’s tariff threat worked on Colombia, but his plans for Canada and Mexico carry higher stakes — 7:48 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Having already forced Colombia to accept deportees by threatening a 25% tariff, President Donald Trump is readying the same move against Canada and Mexico as soon as Saturday.

But this time, the stakes are higher and many economists surveying the possible damage doubt Trump would be comfortable with what they say would be self-inflicted wounds from the tariffs.

Trump has repeatedly insisted that tariffs are coming on Canada and Mexico, despite both countries seeking to address his stated concerns about illegal border crossings and the smuggling of fentanyl. But the Republican president is also motivated by the idea that tariffs would force other countries to “respect” the United States.

“We’re going to immediately install massive tariffs,” Trump said in a Monday speech, adding, “Colombia is traditionally a very, very strong-willed country,” but it backed down rather than face import taxes.

LATEST UPDATES
9:17 p.m.
Mass. man arrested at US Capitol wanted to kill Trump cabinet members
8:45 p.m.
Not every Kennedy opposes RFK Jr.: Former R.I. congressman thinks his cousin is ‘the leader we need’ on addiction policy
8:35 p.m.
Trump-endorsed candidates win primary races to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
8:15 p.m.
Federal immigration enforcement begins in New York with much fanfare
8:12 p.m.
‘Complete chaos’: Trump’s funding freeze sends R.I. nonprofits scrambling
7:33 p.m.
Does Trump have the power to block spending that Congress has authorized?
6:56 p.m.
23 attorneys general, including R.I. and Mass., file federal lawsuit to block Trump’s federal funding freeze
6:40 p.m.
Trump hamstrings anti-discrimination agency
6:37 p.m.
Federal workers union head says Trump’s buyout offers will ‘cause chaos’
6:24 p.m.
Rubio grants foreign aid suspension waiver for all life-saving assistance
6:00 p.m.
Trump offers all federal workers a buyout with 7 months’ pay in effort to shrink size of government
5:55 p.m.
Native American Rights Fund leader says federal funding freeze will negatively impact tribal nations
5:47 p.m.
Walz slams Trump for the funding freeze, says he will join in suing for an injunction
5:46 p.m.
Scott Bessent is sworn into his role as treasury secretary
5:43 p.m.
Homeland Security secretary talks to agency staff for first time; no mention of immigration
5:41 p.m.
Senate Democrats denounce Trump’s Jan. 6 assault pardons
5:16 p.m.
Trump signs executive order aimed at curtailing gender transitions for kids
5:01 p.m.
Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans
4:55 p.m.
Mass. climate projects in limbo under Trump
Here’s some highlights from Trump’s ninth day in office:
4:39 p.m.
There are about 1,600 US active duty troops now at the border
3:42 p.m.
Education department, housing office some of top federal grant recipients in Mass.
3:34 p.m.
Vance to sit down with Fox News’ Hannity
3:23 p.m.
White House confirms website for Medicaid payments is down
3:21 p.m.
Democrats begin to protest Trump nominees over federal freeze
3:15 p.m.
‘Still analyzing what it really means’ for public health
3:06 p.m.
Higher ed leaders call on Trump to rescind grant freeze
3:00 p.m.
New York AG says funding freeze already having an effect on vital programs
2:48 p.m.
GOP chairman questions Trump about inspector general firings in a bipartisan letter
2:43 p.m.
Trump’s voters wanted the government to do less
2:41 p.m.
Rhode Island AG calls Trump’s federal funding freeze ‘ham-handed’
2:39 p.m.
Caroline Kennedy warns against confirming her cousin Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to lead nation’s health department
2:36 p.m.
Leavitt says a White House freeze on federal aid wouldn’t affect people directly receiving aid
2:34 p.m.
MassHealth not halting payments to providers or plans
2:32 p.m.
Massachusetts still missing $40 million in Medicaid amid funding freeze, AG Campbell says
2:13 p.m.
House Democratic leader to hold ‘emergency’ meeting on Trump funding freeze
2:10 p.m.
New White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has wrapped up her first briefing
2:05 p.m.
The drones over New Jersey were ‘authorized’ and ‘not the enemy,’ Trump administration says
2:02 p.m.
A ‘significant impact’ on Boston’s Fenway Health
1:45 p.m.
Meals on Wheels says the confusion over the federal aid pause puts its programs at risk
1:40 p.m.
State health departments are scrambling to understand effects of the Trump administration’s grant-funding memo
1:38 p.m.
Senate Republicans are mostly offering little resistance to Trump’s pause on federal grants and loans
1:33 p.m.
Trump White House adds seats for ‘new media voices’ in the briefing room
1:29 p.m.
Mass. leaders fearful after Trump’s order freezing loans, grants
1:27 p.m.
Leavitt begins first news briefing of the new Trump presidency by listing recent arrests of unauthorized immigrants
1:26 p.m.
Netanyahu says Trump has invited him to the White House on Feb. 4
1:23 p.m.
Caroline Kennedy writes letter to senators ahead of RFK Jr. confirmation hearing
1:15 p.m.
Jim Acosta announces CNN departure on the air
1:08 p.m.
White House holds its first press briefing of Trump’s second term. Watch it live.
1:01 p.m.
Mayor Wu says city is ‘on solid footing’ in wake of Trump’s federal aid freeze, though uncertainty remains
12:54 p.m.
Lieutenant Governor Driscoll reacts to federal funding freeze
12:45 p.m.
Sean Duffy confirmed as transportation secretary, a key role in helping Trump cut regulations and fix infrastructure
12:43 p.m.
West Virginia’s GOP governor says Trump’s funding pause ‘generally is correct’
12:36 p.m.
Will billions for Medicaid be halted?
12:30 p.m.
AG Campbell slams Trump’s pause on federal aid
12:15 p.m.
Voting rights groups are concerned about priorities shifting under Trump’s Justice Department
12:04 p.m.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers: ‘States are left to plan for the worst’
11:49 a.m.
EPA says it’s working to implement pause on federal grants and loans ordered by the White House
11:42 a.m.
NY Attorney General Letitia James plans to file a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s funding freeze
11:38 a.m.
A Trump defense department nominee faces questions over withholding Ukraine aid
11:30 a.m.
Advocacy groups ready to file the first lawsuit to challenge Trump’s new order on transgender troops
11:17 a.m.
Senators call Trump’s funding freeze an attack on communities and the power of Congress
11:01 a.m.
Senate Democrats call for postponing confirmation vote of Trump’s budget chief
10:44 a.m.
Longtime budget watchers warn Trump’s funding freeze is threatening programs Americans depend on
10:44 a.m.
Senator Chuck Schumer says congressional offices have been ‘deluged with calls from people in panic’
10:43 a.m.
Education Department says the pause doesn’t apply to grants received directly by individuals
10:36 a.m.
The White House memo on federal aid came as a shock to some
10:33 a.m.
The pause is the latest example Trump harnessing his power to advance his conservative goals
10:16 a.m.
Immigrant and refugee advocates were cut off even before Monday’s funding pause
10:06 a.m.
State official awaiting guidance on effect of memo pausing federal loans and grants
9:59 a.m.
Democrats and independent organizations criticize the administration for federal grant pause
9:10 a.m.
Medicare and Social Security benefits won’t be affected by the pause in federal grants and loans
8:45 a.m.
Pentagon directed by Trump to begin developing the capability to shoot down missiles from space
8:35 a.m.
Trump is pausing federal loans and grants as his administration reviews spending
8:25 a.m.
Google to change map names for Gulf of Mexico and Denali when the US updates them
8:15 a.m.
Karoline Leavitt, the new White House press secretary, will hold her first briefing Tuesday
8:06 a.m.
US places dozens of senior aid officials on leave, citing possible resistance to Trump orders
7:56 a.m.
Netanyahu hopes to meet Trump in Washington as soon as next week, US officials say
7:48 a.m.
Trump’s tariff threat worked on Colombia, but his plans for Canada and Mexico carry higher stakes