White House pauses federal grants and loans

Democrats warn the move could have "devastating consequences" on programmes that people across the US rely on.

British Broadcasting CorporationWatch LiveHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthVideoLiveHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsScotlandScotland PoliticsWalesWales PoliticsAfricaAsiaChinaIndiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastIn PicturesBBC InDepthBBC VerifySportBusinessExecutive LoungeTechnology of BusinessFuture of BusinessInnovationTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceAI v the MindCultureFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsArtsArts in MotionTravelDestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingVideoLiveLive NewsLive SportHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthVideoLiveAudioWeatherNewslettersWhite House pauses federal grants and loans3 hours agoJames FitzGerald & Ana FaguyBBC NewsGetty ImagesUS President Donald Trump has paused grants, loans and other federal assistance, according to a leaked government memo verified by the BBC's US partner, CBS News.

In the memo, the acting head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) calls on government agencies to ensure spending is consistent with Trump's priorities.

The full impact of the pause is not yet clear, although the memo specifies that Medicare and Social Security benefits are not affected. It comes days after the US halted nearly all foreign aid.

The move has been criticised by members of the rival Democratic Party who warn of "devastating consequences" on programmes that people rely on.

Diane Yentel of the National Council of Nonprofits said the order could stop cancer research, food assistance and suicide hotlines.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77rdy6gzy5o

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