Since the beginning of its second term, the Trump administration has reduced or blocked up to $177 billion in federal aid. This information is published in a tracking tool created by a non-profit organization supporting democracy and a group of researchers and scholars.
Impact on States
The reductions include all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with the largest share of cuts allocated to health, nutrition, environmental, and disaster relief sectors. Among the aid that has been eliminated, blocked, or delayed are those related to maternal health in Michigan, educational research in Mississippi, and assistance to minority farmers in Iowa. California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and North Carolina have experienced the highest levels of aid reductions.
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New Data and Tools
This tracking tool, known as "Lost Funds," clearly illustrates the dimensions of the impacts of these reductions. Scott Delaney, one of the founders of Grant Witness, stated: "By compiling thousands of disruptions in funding caused by the Trump administration into a public and verified database, Lost Funds clearly displays the scope of its impacts."
The $177 billion finding represents nearly 10 percent of federal discretionary spending. The organizers of this tool stated that the disrupted aid goes beyond the types of reductions that typically occur during government transitions. Kelly Rader, research director at the State Democracy Center, added: "Lost Funds shows the extraordinary scale and real impact of these disruptions and illustrates how states are on the front lines of protecting their residents."
Some courts have ruled against the reductions in government funding in certain cases. This new tool, made available for public use, relies on data from USASpending.gov, an open data source of federal spending information. The organizers of this tool announced that regular updates will be made based on new government actions and legal case progress.
The State Democracy Center presents itself as a non-partisan group committed to the rule of law and free, fair, and safe elections. This center was founded by Norman Eisen, a lawyer involved in significant lawsuits against the Trump administration, including regarding the Kennedy Center. Grant Witness is also a group of scholars, researchers, and lawyers documenting funding changes during Donald Trump's presidency.
A message has been sent to the White House seeking comment on this analysis.
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Source: abcnews.com
