This Executive Order centralizes control under senior political appointees, empowering grant termination if funding does not align with administration priorities and reducing the autonomy of scientists and grant administrators. Academic institutions may face reduced funding for DEI programming, gender studies, immigrant-focused programming, LGBTQ+ initiatives, or any project deemed ‘ideological.’
Executive Office of the President - White House Office
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.
Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.
Date Enacted
August 7, 2025
Last Updated
September 24, 2025
Policy Type
Social Safety Net
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Justice System
Food & Nutrition
Cash or Economic Assistance
LGBTQI+ Health
Immigrant Health
Children and Families
Maternal Health
Health and Disability
Summary
Executive Order (EO) 14332 directs federal agencies to ensure grantmaking funds from tax dollars are spent in ways that align with the Trump administration’s policies and the “national interest.” The order reflects the administration's concerns that some current grant funding supports “corrupt ideology”, is duplicative, or ineffective. Senior appointees will review all grants and funding announcements, prohibiting grant funding initiatives related to “racial preferences, nonbinary gender recognition, illegal immigration, or ‘anti-American values.’”
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
N/A
Take Institutional Action
Consult legal experts to determine obligations to comply with this EO.
Strengthen partnerships with local community-based, grassroots organizations and private entities to mitigate risks associated with potential loss of federal grant funding.
Develop contingency plans to safeguard critical programming (e.g. DEI, immigrant health, LGBTQ+ health, gender studies) from possible funding cuts.
Diversify funding streams by pursuing philanthropic, foundation, or state-level grants to reduce reliance on federal funding.
Implement internal equity reviews to identify programs most vulnerable to cuts and proactively document their impact and outcomes.
Associated or Derivative Policies
Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200): The EO directs grant revisions to clarify termination powers, limit indirect costs, and streamline requirements.
CHIPS Act of 2022, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021), and NDAA FY21: Certain grant programs under these laws are exempt from broad termination powers due to constraints.
Prior Executive Orders on Federal Spending: This EO builds on long-standing debates and federal policy precedent established during the Trump administration, particularly regarding restrictions on DEI training in federal agencies.
Policy Prior to 2025
N/A
