Trump Announces Another Funding Pause
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued formal notices to states and partner organizations announcing a temporary pause on public health grant funding totaling approximately $5 billion, according to a report from Bloomberg News.
An agency spokesperson said the pause is part of a new internal review process designed to ensure that federal funds are being used appropriately and in line with their original purpose. Officials emphasized that the move is procedural and focused on accountability.
The affected funding includes Public Health Infrastructure Grants, which are typically distributed over a five-year period. These grants are intended to help state and local health departments strengthen staffing levels and modernize data systems that support public health operations.
The decision follows earlier actions taken by the department to reassess large amounts of federal spending approved during the pandemic period. In March of last year, HHS discontinued more than $11 billion in previously authorized grants that were no longer considered necessary under updated program reviews.
Federal officials have increasingly signaled a shift toward tighter oversight of long-term public health funding, particularly programs created during emergency conditions. The latest pause reflects a broader effort to evaluate how taxpayer dollars are managed and allocated going forward.
