Chris (00:00):
This morning, the Trump administration announcing even more big policy changes.
Mary (00:04):
They involve a freeze on federal aid and new executive orders about the military. Kristie Keleshian joins us live. And, Kristie, let's start with the news about government spending.
Kristie Keleshian (00:13):
Yes, first to that, Mary and Chris, and nearly all federal grants and loans will be paused in just hours, this evening at 5:00 PM. Sources tell CBS News that an internal memo from the White House called for that freeze on federal grants and loans so they can be reviewed on whether or not they align with the administration's priorities. Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, responded to this, saying it jeopardizes billions of dollars for local communities.
(00:38)
Also, as you mentioned, the president signed four new executive orders concerning the military on Monday. And one involves transgender service members. This order gives the Pentagon a month to come up with a new policy on service and the armed forces to be based on military readiness, which could possibly lead to a ban on trans service members. And it claims that troops identifying with a gender different from what they were born with are not considered military ready. Another one of those orders reinstate some 8,200 service members who were forced out for not abiding by a 2021 policy that required them to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Another executive order expands the abolishment of DEI programs to the Pentagon. And, finally, there's an order calling for US to have an Iron Dome missile defense system, similar to what Israel has in place. Chris and Mary.
Chris (01:28):
Kristie, thank you. Meantime-