Trump Orders Federal Grant Overhaul, Freezes 5.84 Billion Dollars to UCLA

President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reforming the federal grant-making process, a move designed to bring more government spending under his administration's control. The order tasks appointees with evaluating grant applications and disbursements to ensure that federal funds benefit Americans and align with the president's priorities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline government operations and enhance transparency in the allocation of public resources.

The order mandates that appointees assess the effectiveness and efficiency of grant programs, ensuring that funds are directed towards initiatives that support the administration's goals. This includes evaluating the impact of grants on job creation, economic growth, and other key indicators of national progress. By centralizing control over federal grants, the administration aims to reduce waste and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

The move comes as part of a series of actions taken by the administration to exert greater influence over federal spending. Earlier, the administration had frozen 5.84 billion dollars in federal funding to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), citing concerns over the institution's compliance with federal regulations. This action underscores the administration's commitment to holding recipients of federal funds accountable for their use of public resources.

The order also includes provisions to expand the scope of data collected from universities regarding their admissions policies, with a focus on enhancing transparency around racial considerations in the admissions process. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote fairness and equality in higher education, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

The administration's actions reflect a broader strategy to assert control over federal spending and ensure that public funds are used in a manner that aligns with its policy objectives. By centralizing the evaluation and disbursement of federal grants, the administration aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the use of public resources, ultimately benefiting American citizens.