Trump's Spending Freeze Draws Criticism Amid Confusion

In a contentious interview on CNN, Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, defended President Trump's recent executive orders, which include a federal spending freeze. Miller controversially claimed that the majority of federal employees are left-leaning, citing that 98% of USAID employees donated to Kamala Harris or other liberal candidates. Host Jake Tapper challenged Miller’s assertions, arguing that they demonize an entire workforce. Amidst the debate, it was reported that dozens of USAID officials were placed on administrative leave for allegedly circumventing Trump's orders. Miller insisted that the spending freeze does not affect essential public benefit programs, a claim Tapper and others questioned due to the broad nature of the executive order. The conversation highlighted ongoing confusion around the impact of these executive actions, which Miller attributed to misrepresentations by the media.