By. Gianna Michel

On January 27, Matthew J. Veth, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, released a memo stating that the Trump Administration would be temporarily pausing all federal financial aid programs. 

The intended purpose of the freeze is to make sure taxpayer money is used to support President Trump’s priorities; boosting energy and manufacturing, reducing inflation, and eliminating funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, transgender policies, and climate initiatives. While the memo could withhold over billions of dollars in aid, limiting access to crucial financial support, it excludes programs relating to Social Security and Medicare.

“Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal,” said Veth.

On Tuesday evening, a federal judge placed a temporary hold on the administration’s plan to freeze financial aid, pending a review of its constitutionality. A coalition of nonprofits and over 20 Democratic attorneys general have filed lawsuits to block the freeze, arguing that it violates the Impoundment Control Act, a law preventing presidents from withholding approved funds without notifying Congress.  

Following the legal pushback, the Trump Administration announced they would rescind the memo. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that, while the original memo was withdrawn, the administration remains committed to freezing federal funding.  

“It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court’s injunction. The President’s EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented,” she wrote on X.  

The Trump Administration’s attempt to freeze financial aid has sparked fear and controversy among students at MLEC. The Cambridge AICE Diploma provides students with Florida Bright Futures, a form of federal financial aid that many students rely on to afford college.  

“Financial aid is the biggest reason I can afford college. If this funding gets cut, ill have to work like a dog to be able to attend college. I don’t wish to do that, I’m quaking in my boots right now,” said junior Samuel Louis.  

Many see financial aid as essential to ensuring equal access to higher education, but it’s important to recognize that other options exist for covering tuition. While federal aid can provide significant support, students can also seek out private scholarships as an alternative. College advisor Ms. Sands emphasizes this point.  

“I do think it will somewhat have an effect, but students can continue to apply to scholarships to see if that will help,” she said.

The ongoing legal battle over Trump’s actions highlights the conflict between presidential authority and congressional power. As the courts weigh their decisions, millions of Americans who rely on these programs remain uncertain about their future.