Columbus leaders troubled by federal funding threats
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Columbus officials and organizations face uncertainty about the potential impacts of President Trump's attempted funding freeze that was halted by a judge.
Why it matters: The directive could freeze or eliminate funding to many Central Ohio nonprofits and government programs.
Catch up quick: Trump's memo seeks to pause federal grant, loan and financial assistance programs, particularly those that involve "DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal."
- It's created confusion across the country. A federal judge temporarily blocked the order with an administrative stay that expires next Monday.
Threat level: Hannah Halbert, executive director of progressive think tank Policy Matters Ohio, tells Axios the memo is a "debacle" that threatens programs that fund opioid recovery, unemployment and cancer patient support.
- "The only thing certain about this memo is that it is causing a tremendous amount of uncertainty and panic."
Case in point: The nonprofit LifeCare Alliance runs Columbus' Meals-on-Wheels program. Its president and CEO, Charles Gehrig, tells us the organization was happy to hear the White House's clarification that Meals-on-Wheels won't be targeted.
- However, he's still worried about funding for other LifeCare Alliance programs that support older adults and those with AIDS.
- But, he emphasized: "Don't worry, your meal is coming tomorrow."
Behind the scenes: City Attorney Zach Klein's office is meeting to discuss next steps and begin identifying what may be at risk, per city spokesperson Melanie Crabill.
- The city will flag any federal grant awards that could be affected, particularly those related to green and DEI initiatives.
What they're saying: Mayor Andrew Ginther, in his capacity as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, released a statement saying "America's mayors are deeply concerned" about the "sweeping freeze."
Other Democrats are similarly uncertain.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) called the move "thoughtless" and a "deliberate attack on our nation's democracy" in a statement Tuesday.
What we're watching: A spokesperson for Klein tells Axios that "all options, including litigation, remain on the table as we navigate the impacts of this executive action."