When President Donald Trump appointed Russel Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), I raised a red flag. It felt like a sign that Trump’s administration was planning to take total control over federal spending—completely bypassing Congress. A couple of weeks ago, I warned that this could mean billions of dollars in projects being halted at the president’s discretion. Well, I was wrong about one thing: they didn’t even wait for Vought to be confirmed before putting their plan into action.
On Monday, Matthew J. Vaeth, the acting head of OMB, sent out a memo freezing “all Federal financial assistance.” It’s being called a “pause,” but it’s more serious than that. A judge intervened, delaying the full implementation of the freeze, but the damage could still be significant. We’re talking about a potential disruption of some of the $3 trillion in federal spending. But what’s even more concerning is that this “temporary” power might not be so temporary after all.
The memo explained that the freeze was designed to block funds from going to certain programs that align with Trump’s executive orders, like those supporting “Marxist equity,” “transgenderism,” and “green new deal” policies. Federal agencies have been ordered to go through their programs and ensure they match Trump’s agenda—if not, they need to “pause” them. This includes a long list of programs, even ones that help people abroad or support gender inclusivity and environmental sustainability. It’s a broad move with unclear consequences.
For example, Meals on Wheels—an organization that feeds the elderly—was thrown into uncertainty, with staff unsure whether they should continue serving meals due to funding confusion. The idea that a program like this could face a freeze is baffling, but it’s not far-fetched given the way “anti-woke” laws are being enforced in some states. The vagueness of these directives forces organizations to self-censor, even if their programs are entirely benign.
This freeze is a huge problem not just for organizations like Meals on Wheels but for the entire federal budget. The OMB memo is a warning that Trump’s administration might find a way to keep these funds frozen indefinitely. Under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, the president can’t just withhold funds Congress has already approved. But Vought has argued that this law doesn’t apply to him, and he believes the president can unilaterally block funds that don’t align with his priorities.
Meanwhile, Congress is largely silent on the issue. While Democrats are calling for the freeze to be reversed, Republicans in the Senate don’t seem to mind giving up their power over federal spending. It’s clear that many GOP leaders are willing to let Trump take full control without raising any alarms.
The real battle is likely to take place in the courts. Several Democratic attorneys general are preparing to challenge this freeze, and we might soon see a case making its way to the Supreme Court. The outcome of this case could determine whether the president’s power to withhold funds is upheld or if Congress will regain its authority.
For now, it’s up to lawmakers to fight back. Democrats need to use their platform to explain to the public how vital programs like Head Start could be shut down if they’re deemed too “woke” or politically incorrect. Any future funding bills should include language that protects these programs and makes it clear that Trump’s freeze is unacceptable.
This situation is far from over, but one thing is clear: the power to control federal funds should never rest solely with the president. The Constitution gives Congress the authority to manage how taxpayer dollars are spent, and we need to fight to keep it that way.