Trump Plans Major Freeze on Planned Parenthood Funding

The Trump administration plans to freeze approximately $120 million in federal family planning grants, impacting organizations like Planned Parenthood, as it investigates compliance with an executive order barring funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This funding freeze, affecting around $20 million for Planned Parenthood in about 12 states, is part of a broader effort by Trump to eliminate DEI in federal programs. Critics, including Senator Patty Murray, argue that this freeze endangers women's access to essential health services such as cancer screenings and birth control, asserting that it disproportionately impacts those with limited resources. Planned Parenthood's president, Alexis McGill Johnson, condemned the move, stating it aims to undermine their health centers. Proponents of the cut, including conservative figures, argue that taxpayer funds should not support abortion-related activities, although federal law prohibits this. The Department of Health and Human Services is reviewing grant contracts to ensure alignment with Trump's directives, with the potential for either rescinding or redistributing funds.