NOTE: Both parts of this episode were recorded before the administration rescinded the order.
The Trump administration’s sweeping pause on all federal grants set off a wave of confusion and concern across higher education. But just minutes before it was set to take effect, a federal judge blocked the order, putting the freeze on hold until at least next Monday. In this episode recorded Jan. 28, Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja provide important context on the rapidly evolving situation. Jon and Sarah are later joined by ACE President Ted Mitchell for a deeper conversation on what we know, what’s at stake, and what could come next for colleges, universities, and students nationwide.
Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or podcast@acenet.edu.
Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:
M-25-13 Temporary Pause to Review Agency Grant Loan and Other Financial Assistance Programs
Office of Management and Budget | Jan. 27, 2025
Instructions for Federal Financial Assistance Program Analysis in Support of M-25-13
Office of Management and Budget | Jan. 27, 2025
Office of Management and Budget Guidance Document on M-25-13
Office of Management and Budget | Jan. 27, 2025
Trump’s Executive Orders Shift Higher Education Landscape
American Council on Education | Jan. 27, 2025
Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Federal Assistance Pause
American Council on Education | Jan. 28, 2025
Higher Ed Alarmed by Trump’s Plan to Freeze Federal Grants
Inside Higher Ed | Jan. 28, 2025
Trump Spending Freeze Upends Washington, Triggering Legal Threats and Delays
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | Jan. 28, 2025
The Federal Funding Pause Does Not Apply to Student Loans and Pell Grants
The New York Times (sub. req.) | Jan. 28, 2025
States, Nonprofit Groups Pursue Lawsuits to Stop Grant Freeze
Roll Call | Jan. 28, 2025
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