The Trump administration has rolled out a major shake-up in how federal grants are handled. A new directive from the Office of Management and Budget requires agencies to put hundreds of grant programs under the microscope, judging them based on specific ideological criteria.

These tests include whether programs support abortion access, diversity initiatives, or undocumented immigrants. The goal is to ensure federal spending aligns closely with President Trump’s priorities.

Federal agencies have been asked to answer tough questions about each program. For example, does it promote “gender ideology”? Is it sending money overseas? Could it interfere with domestic energy development? While the review is underway, many programs have been paused to avoid potential conflicts with recent executive orders.

Democrats have criticized the move, calling it an overreach of executive power and a direct challenge to Congress’s authority. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has temporarily halted the freeze in response to a lawsuit from a progressive advocacy group.

The announcement caused confusion across the government, with agencies and nonprofits scrambling to figure out if they could keep operating. The White House defended the review, emphasizing that programs like Social Security and Medicare won’t be affected.

This sweeping change marks a significant step in the administration’s push to reshape federal spending. Stay tuned as the debate over its impact continues to unfold.