On August 7, President Donald Trump issued an executive order placing authority over grant funding decisions and priorities with presidential appointees. Such individuals are directed to use their "independent judgement" and "advance the President's policy priorities" when making decisions related to federal grants. The order, which could impact billions of dollars' worth of federal grants, disrupts a decades-long practice of grant funding decisions being made by experts and career civil servants.

The order further states that any announcement of new funding opportunities must be reviewed by appointees or the person they designate. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will also be required to revise its Uniform Guidance to "appropriately limit" grant dollars being spent on indirect costs. Agencies are directed to create a path for cancelling previously awarded grants at any time. The order is expected to face court challenges.