It is still unclear which programs could be affected by the executive order. Despite Schumer's statement, Trump does have an avenue to advance his goal

While the administration insists the funding freeze does not apply to direct payments like Social Security and Medicaid, SNAP benefits are in a gray area. Experts interpret the ambiguous language in the memo as potentially impacting programs administered through state and local governments.

“And within two days, in one of the first executive orders, they pull the rug out from under what we did,” Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer ... for lower Medicare drug prices.

Laken Riley Act: President Trump signed his first bill into law, and it closely tracked his agenda on immigration. The bill directs the authorities to detain and deport immigrants who are accused — not yet convicted — of specific crimes if they are in the country illegally. Read more ›

Democratic congressman Bennie Thompson shares his thoughts on funding for federal aid being halted

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's freeze on federal grants and loans, minutes before the wide-reaching directive was set to go into effect.

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The Trump administration is defending their decision to freeze federal aid. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says Social Security, Medicare and SNAP are not impacted. “It is the responsibility of this president and this administration to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Leavitt said.

President Trump’s sweeping order to freeze federal funding has caused confusion, huge concern for its recipients, and fury among his political opponents. Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer said the blast radius of the decision was virtually limitless.

WASHINGTON : President Donald Trump’s White House ordered a pause in all federal grants and loans starting today, a sweeping decision that could disrupt education and healthcare programmes, housing assistance, disaster relief and a host of other initiatives that depend on billions of federal dollars.

The Trump administration will temporarily stop payments on multiple federal programs Tuesday evening, cutting off Americans who rely on what could be trillions in funding and setting off a legal