Policy Center

On January 27, the Acting Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo, requiring all Federal agencies to “complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs” and to temporarily pause funding all activities that could be affected by recent presidential executive orders by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28. The memo stated these activities include “financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.” Federal agencies received additional guidance, directing them to provide information about thousands of potentially impacted programs by February 7. Given the public uproar, the White House issued guidance clarifying that direct benefits to individuals wouldn't be impacted, but leaving the fate of hundreds of programs in limbo.

In response to these actions, nonprofits and public health organizations, as well as several state Attorneys General launched legal challenges to the sweeping funding freeze. Before the end of the day, a U.S. District Judge blocked the Trump administration from implementing the OMB directive, but that order expires on February 3 at 5:00 p.m.

We understand these events have generated a lot of uncertainty and are disruptive to the important scientific research and training you conduct. PAA is working independently, as well as collaboratively, with its many coalition partners to address the issues these recent actions have raised. To be effective, we need members to consider:

• Responding to PAA action alerts—PAA is assessing the best way to respond to yesterday’s events and may be issuing an action alert to facilitate the ability of PAA members to communicate concerns to their U.S. Representatives and Senators. If you receive a PAA action alert, we encourage you to respond. 
• Registering for 2025 PAA Advocacy Day—On April 10, PAA, as part of the 2025 Annual Meeting, is hosting an advocacy day in which PAA members (who register in advance) will meet with their congressional delegations to educate them about the population sciences and how Federal scientific and statistical research agencies support the field. To participate, please register by February 28. More than ever, your voices are needed!  

Please be assured we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.

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