The Trump administration appears to be on the brink of withdrawing significant amounts of federal funding earmarked for recipients in California. This information comes courtesy of a report from CNN, which suggests the reductions could commence imminently.
The White House deputy press secretary, Kush DeSai, when queried on Friday, was unable to provide specifics on the matter. CNN has indicated that these spending reductions are indeed in motion. It has been reported that federal agencies have been directed to pinpoint grants that the administration can restrain.
According to the same news outlet, a whistleblower has informed at least one congressional committee that all research grants destined for California are potentially facing the axe.
On May 20, the Department of Education published a notice signaling a significant shift in research grant funding under the Trump administration, although no details regarding potential dollar figures were shared. In a press release, Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated, “Discretionary grants coming from the Department of Education will now be focused on meaningful learning and expanding choice, not divisive ideologies and unproven strategies.”
Congressman Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, shared with CNN that he’s witnessed a flurry of university representatives in congressional offices in recent days. He told those anxious about their funding to bring their specific grant and justification to him and he would lobby for it, but he remains firm that blanket increases in funding are not the answer.
This development raises important questions about the potential impacts on California’s educational and research institutions, and indeed, the wider implications for the state and its populace.