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Live from NPR news in Washington, I'm Jack Spear. The White House insists people getting

direct assistance from the federal government will not see their payments stop under a federal

funding freeze taking effect at

this hour. But as NPR's Tamara Keith explains, there are still widespread confusion over the White

House memo ordering a pause on federal government grants. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt

says this is only a temporary pause. And the reason for this is to ensure that every penny that is going out the door

is not conflicting with the executive orders and actions that this president has taken. Among those

policies, ending diversity, equity, and inclusion, and attempting to reverse Biden-era

environmental programs. Many legal experts say this violates both federal law and the Constitution,

which puts the power of the purse in the hands of Congress. But Levitt says the White House

Counsel's office is of the opinion that the president has this power and can use it. Tamara Keith,

NPR News, the White House. It's not clear how long the pause might last.

The White House has clarified Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Pell grants, and federal education loans are not being affected.

President Trump has fired two Biden appointees on the National Labor Relations Board.

While the removal of one was expected, the other is unprecedented and challenges Supreme Court precedents.

More than Pair is Andrea Shue.

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