Trump proposes putting political goals above objective criteria in deciding who gets government grants, from childcare to research to public safety

The White House says the changes it seeks would strengthen transparency, accountability and oversight. Critics say federal grantmaking would become too political.

By: Mirae Kim, George Mason University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 15, 2026

Words: 1,671

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Mirae Kim, George Mason University

The federal government provides grants – any amount of money that the recipient doesn’t have to pay back – for a wide array of purposes that serve the public interest. States, local governments, colleges and universities, students, nonprofits and other kinds of organizations receive these funds.

Huge sums are involved.

The federal government dispatches at least US$1.2 trillion – more than $1 out of every $6 …

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