Mayors seek information on federal funds amid freeze imposed by Trump

Coamo Mayor Juan Carlos García Padilla, the interim president of the Puerto Rico Mayors Association, expressed concern Tuesday about the continuity of federal programs following President Donald Trump’s orders freezing loans and subsidies.

A memo from the White House budget office called for a spending freeze on federal assistance by 5 p.m. Tuesday, affecting everything from aid to nonprofits, universities, small business loans and state and local government grants. The freeze could have wide-ranging implications, with the White House noting that $3 trillion was spent in 2024 on federal assistance programs.

“This memorandum requires Federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements,” the memo says. As of press time the White House had not yet commented on the memo, which was leaked Monday night, with several mainland media outlets saying it is authentic.