WASHINGTON, Aug 7 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump signed an govt order on Thursday to tighten federal grant approvals, with grant award selections to now bear analysis by Trump’s political appointees, the White Home mentioned.
The Trump administration has threatened to chop federal funds for varied companies and academic establishments over a spread of points. These embody pro-Palestinian protests towards U.S. ally Israel’s struggle in Gaza, local weather initiatives, transgender insurance policies and variety, fairness and inclusion (DEI) packages.
The order signed on Thursday and launched by the White Home mentioned “discretionary awards should, the place relevant, demonstrably advance the President’s coverage priorities.” It mentioned subject material consultants would even be concerned in selections on awarding grants.
The order criticized DEI packages, help for immigrants who’re within the U.S. illegally, and transgender initiatives.
It mentioned federal grants shall not be used to fund “some other initiatives that compromise public security or promote anti-American values.”
Rights advocates have raised issues about Trump’s federal funding threats, saying they hurt free speech and educational freedom and quantity to political interference that may undo a long time of progress.
Trump and his allies defend his steps by saying his administration is combating ideologies they contemplate “far left” and “anti-merit.” (Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward; Modifying by Tom Hogue)
