As widespread confusion continues over the funding freezes, programs serving women and children could be hit particularly hard.

President Donald Trump’s administration issued a memo Monday ordering widespread federal assistance to be temporarily paused, as Trump and his allies have argued he can block government funds that Congress has already authorized, despite a federal law forbidding it.

"It is blatantly unconstitutional," one senator says as agencies grapple with pausing nearly all grants and loan programs.

The Trump administration reversed its policy to freeze grants and loans while officials evaluated whether spending met the president's priorities.

The move comes after the order sparked widespread criticism and confusion. A federal district judge had temporarily paused the freeze.

The initial White House order on Monday to freeze federal grants sparked confusion throughout Washington and nationwide.

NH officials and nonprofit leaders scrambled for clarity after President Donald Trump’s Office of Management and Budget issued a memo ordering a freeze on nearly all federal financial assistance programs.