Bryan raised concerns over White House pause on federal financial assistance programs

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said in a Jan. 28, 2025, statement that he was concerned about a White House memorandum directing federal executive branch departments and agencies to temporarily pause federal grant, loan and other financial assistance programs.

Bryan said the directive could affect the U.S. Virgin Islands, which relies on federal assistance for housing, health care, education, infrastructure and disaster recovery. He said even a temporary interruption could create hardships for residents and affect projects tied to the territory’s economy and stability.

He said his administration was reviewing the memorandum and related executive orders and was in contact with federal partners about the territory’s priorities. Bryan also said there was legal uncertainty over whether the president could make such broad changes through executive action alone.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-expresses-concern-over-white-house-memorandum-temporarily-pausing-federal-financial-assistance-programs/