Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office, and he’s quickly implementing his policies through executive orders. A significant order has impacted thousands of athletes nationwide. “BREAKING: Trump White House orders pause on all federal grants & loans. Tens of billions (at minimum) likely affected. Huge range of services – state disaster aid; research $ – done via grants. Power given to political appointees,” reported the Washington Post’s Jeff Stein on Monday.
Most collegiate athletes do not receive full scholarships and depend on financial assistance from the federal government, which can include Pell Grants for students with significant financial need and other grant programs. Additionally, Olympic athletes often rely on the Simon Grant, a competitive grant for high-achieving Team USA athletes with exceptional financial circumstances. However, the freeze on grants affects more than just athletes. “Nobody knows if this will impact Medicaid payments for tens of millions, student loans, grants to homeless shelters, disaster relief, veterans’ organizations, and numerous other federal functions,” Stein added in a follow-up report.
My phone has been blowing up over the past 10 hours like crazy.
Nobody knows if this will affect Medicaid payments for tens of millions, student loans, grants to homeless shelters, disaster relief, veterans orgs and scores of other federal functions https://t.co/f7XYPrnXpR
— Jeff Stein (@JStein_WaPo) January 28, 2025
As a result of the order, Medicaid was paused in all 50 states; however, Trump’s administration has since reversed its decision. “EXCLUSIVE: White House budget office has officially rescinded the order authorizing a federal freeze on grants, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post,” Stein reported on Wednesday. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming days.
