OMB Proposal to Give Political Appointees Control Over Federal Grants Faces Massive Opposition; Court Also Blocks Grant Cuts

The OMB is proposing a rule that would allow political appointees to control federal grant funding, replacing peer review. Over 100 Democrats oppose, and Colorado Gov. Polis warns of federal dollars used as a 'political football.' The rule has drawn 340,000 public comments, far above average, with comments due July 13. Education researchers warn it could chill research on achievement gaps. Separately, a federal judge blocked the administration from cutting grants over policy priorities (DEI, climate) after award, adding to the pattern of court checks on executive overreach. Another judge also blocked the administration from revoking grant funding based on policy shifts, reinforcing judicial pushback.