President Donald Trump’s administration reversed its proposed freeze on hundreds of billions in aid Wednesday following legal challenges and widespread opposition. The White House budget office rescinded its directive just before a federal court hearing on a lawsuit by Democratic attorneys general. A White House official said the move aimed to preempt legal obstacles.
Despite the reversal, U.S. District Judge John McConnell proceeded with the hearing, suggesting he might still block the freeze due to its ongoing effects. Another federal judge had already issued a temporary block on the freeze in a separate case.
Trump had framed the freeze as a measure to cut spending on programs he opposed, such as diversity initiatives and foreign aid. “We are merely looking at big parts of the bureaucracy where there has been waste and abuse,” he said.
Separately, Trump announced plans to prepare 30,000 beds at Guantanamo Bay for migrants facing deportation and suggested revoking visas for pro-Palestinian student protesters.
Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed all of Trump’s appointees, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite allegations of misconduct. Hegseth quickly moved to ban transgender troops and diversity programs. Trump also revoked security protections for former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley.
During confirmation hearings, Health Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced scrutiny for anti-vaccine views, while Commerce Secretary pick Howard Lutnick defended tariffs.
Republican lawmakers defended Trump’s spending freeze, despite concerns over congressional authority. House Republican leader Tom Emmer praised Trump’s efforts to rein in spending. However, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins criticized the freeze as overreaching, and Democratic Senator Patty Murray condemned the administration’s “chaos and incompetence.”
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