White House Considers Political Review of Federal Grants

The Trump administration is considering a plan that would subject federal grants to additional political review. Academics, city leaders and congressional lawmakers are among thousands of people who have urged the administration to reconsider the proposal. The plan would give the White House greater control over how grant funds are awarded.

Background on the Proposal Federal grants currently support research, infrastructure and local government programs across the United States. The administration has not announced a final decision on whether to implement the new review process.

Opponents of the plan argue that political review could affect the distribution of funds. Supporters of the current system say grant decisions should remain with the agencies that administer them.