Did Trump Freeze Social Security? Federal Funding Pause Explained

Donald Trump ordered a sweeping clampdown on government spending within days of entering the White House.

An internal memorandum sent on Monday by the Office of Management and Budget ordered federal agencies to pause all grants and loans that have already been approved by the government. Some people are concerned about whether that means Social Security and other vital payments will be blocked.

Federal agencies "must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance," White House Office of Management and Budget acting director Matthew Vaeth said in the memorandum seen by Newsweek.

Why It Matters

Social Security benefits are a vital source of income for tens of millions of Americans. An estimated 53 million retirees—roughly 16 percent of the population—were collecting monthly payments at the end of 2024.

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Reporters ask Trump's White House press secretary about federal aid freeze

 Reporters ask Trump's White House press secretary about federal aid freeze

Conservatives on social media praised newly minted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's performance in her first press conference on Tuesday and made the case that her tenure would be a welcome change from the previous administration's.

Leavitt stepped to the White House pressroom podium on Tuesday and answered questions from more than a dozen reporters with various political affiliations and spoke for almost an hour on Tuesday.

As Leavitt addressed the media, conservatives on social media reacted with positive reviews of her handling of the questions and the variety of reporters she called on. 

"Karoline Leavitt is a rock star," actor James Woods posted on X. "These next four years are going to be sublime."

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After forcing Colombia to back down, White House claims America is respected again

 After forcing Colombia to back down, White House claims America is respected again

In a recent diplomatic confrontation, President Donald Trump asserted that his administration's firm stance has led to Colombia's compliance in accepting deportation flights, proclaiming that "America is respected again."

The dispute arose when Colombian President Gustavo Petro denied entry to U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants, challenging a key component of Trump's immigration policy.

In response, President Trump swiftly imposed a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, with a warning of escalating it to 50% within a week.

Additional measures included a travel ban on Colombian citizens and the revocation of visas for Colombian officials.

These actions underscored the administration's readiness to employ economic leverage to achieve its foreign policy objectives.

Facing significant economic repercussions, President Petro reversed his initial stance, agreeing to accept deportation flights and offering the use of Colombia's presidential plane to ensure the dignified return of its citizens.

This concession was seen as a direct result of the U.S. administration's pressure tactics.

The resolution of this dispute has broader implications for U.S.-Colombia relations. Colombia is a major exporter to the U.S., supplying goods such as coffee, flowers, and crude oil.

The imposed tariffs threatened to disrupt this trade, potentially increasing prices for American consumers.

The agreement to resume deportation flights has, for now, averted a trade conflict that could have had significant economic impacts.

This incident highlights the Trump administration's willingness to use tariffs and other economic measures as tools of foreign policy, even against allied nations. It also underscores the complex dynamics of immigration enforcement and international cooperation.

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Lauren Sánchez Reacts to Public Chatter Over Her Lacy Bustier Inauguration Outfit

The author and activist wore a white suit and lace bustier to Donald Trump's Presidential Inauguration

The philanthropist and former news anchor, 55, "liked" multiple social media comments seemingly referencing the white suit with matching bustier she wore to President Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration.

Sánchez, who appeared at the event alongside her fiancé, Jeff Bezos, sported a monochromatic white ensemble by Alexander McQueen, featuring a tailored blazer and a lace corset. The unconventional look garnered some backlash from those who felt it was too risqué for the occasion.

On the evening of Jan. 20, Sánchez attended the Starlight Ball as part of the inauguration. For the affair, she wore a dramatic Dolce & Gabbana gown with a corset-style bodice and long, flowing sleeves.

 

Everything Trump did in the first executive orders and actions of his presidency

President Donald Trump started his second administration with a blitz of policy actions to reorient the U.S. government.

His executive orders cover issues that range from trade, immigration and U.S. foreign aid to demographic diversity, civil rights and the hiring of federal workers. Some have an immediate policy impact. Others are more symbolic. And some already are being challenged by federal lawsuits.

In total, the Republican president’s sweeping actions reflect many of his campaign promises and determination to concentrate executive branch power in the West Wing, while moving the country sharply rightward.

Do US adults support Trump’s Day 1 actions? Here’s what polling shows

Here is a comprehensive look at Trump’s directives so far in his first three days

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Everything Trump did in the first executive orders and actions of his presidency

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By BILL BARROW

Updated 6:28 AM GMT+5, January 23, 2025

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President Donald Trump started his second administration with a blitz of policy actions to reorient the U.S. government.

His executive orders cover issues that range from trade, immigration and U.S. foreign aid to demographic diversity, civil rights and the hiring of federal workers. Some have an immediate policy impact. Others are more symbolic. And some already are being challenged by federal lawsuits.

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims Trump made at inaugural events

In total, the Republican president’s sweeping actions reflect many of his campaign promises and determination to concentrate executive branch power in the West Wing, while moving the country sharply rightward.

Here is a comprehensive look at Trump’s directives so far in his first three days:

President Donald Trump signs an executive order as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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Immigration and U.S. borders

• Designate an “invasion across the southern border of the United States,” a move that triggers certain executive branch powers so, Trump says, his Cabinet “shall take appropriate action to repel, repatriate or remove any alien engaged in the invasion.”

• Allow U.S. military service members to act as immigration and border enforcement officers as part of Trump’s promised mass deportation program. Trump’s order covers the Ready Reserve and National Guard, military property that could be used as detention space, ground and air transport vehicles and “other logistics services in support of civilian-controlled law enforcement operations.” The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 has historically limited use of military personnel in domestic law enforcement actions. Trump’s orders frame migrant flow as a national security threat, which he reasons justifies his military orders as commander in chief.

Netflix hikes subscription prices as content 'has never been better' thanks to sports, live events

 Netflix hikes subscription prices as content 'has never been better' thanks to sports, live events

Netflix (NFLX) raised the prices of its streaming tiers in the US on Tuesday after the company reported nearly 20 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter.

The company is raising the cost of its ad-supported plan to $7.99 from the prior $6.99. Its Standard, ad-free tier will now be $17.99, up from $15.49, while its Premium plan will increase by $2 to $24.99. Users who want to add an extra member will now pay $8.99, an increase of $1.

Netflix hikes subscription prices as content 'has never been better' thanks to sports, live events

Alexandra Canal

Alexandra Canal · Senior Reporter

Wed, January 22, 2025 at 4:04 AM GMT+5 3 min read

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Netflix (NFLX) raised the prices of its streaming tiers in the US on Tuesday after the company reported nearly 20 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter.

The company is raising the cost of its ad-supported plan to $7.99 from the prior $6.99. Its Standard, ad-free tier will now be $17.99, up from $15.49, while its Premium plan will increase by $2 to $24.99. Users who want to add an extra member will now pay $8.99, an increase of $1.

Outside of the US, the company also adjusted prices in Canada, Portugal, and Argentina.

On the earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos touted the company's strong content pipeline, with more movies and TV shows expected throughout the course of 2025.

"I definitely feel like the strength of [content] has never been better," he said, calling out projects like "Happy Gilmore 2" and the return of "You," "Stranger Things," "Wednesday," and "The Night Agent," among others.

Investors viewed a price hike as long overdue following a banner 2024 for the company. "We've been expecting a price increase in the US market for quite a while now," Geetha Ranganathan, senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, told Yahoo Finance's Morning Bref program prior to the release.

Tuesday marks the first time the company raised the price of its two-year-old ad tier, which — even with the $1 price increase — remains one of the cheapest ad plans among all of the major streaming players.

The other tiers of service have seen price hikes before. Netflix last raised the price of its Standard plan in January 2022, upping the monthly cost to $15.49 from $13.99. The company increased the cost of its Premium tier by $2 to $19.99 a month in 2022 and then raised it again in October to $22.99.

Netflix hikes subscription prices as content 'has never been better' thanks to sports, live events

Alexandra Canal

Alexandra Canal · Senior Reporter

Wed, January 22, 2025 at 4:04 AM GMT+5 3 min read

Salaries Will Surprise You

Netflix (NFLX) raised the prices of its streaming tiers in the US on Tuesday after the company reported nearly 20 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter.

The company is raising the cost of its ad-supported plan to $7.99 from the prior $6.99. Its Standard, ad-free tier will now be $17.99, up from $15.49, while its Premium plan will increase by $2 to $24.99. Users who want to add an extra member will now pay $8.99, an increase of $1.

Outside of the US, the company also adjusted prices in Canada, Portugal, and Argentina.

On the earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos touted the company's strong content pipeline, with more movies and TV shows expected throughout the course of 2025.

"I definitely feel like the strength of [content] has never been better," he said, calling out projects like "Happy Gilmore 2" and the return of "You," "Stranger Things," "Wednesday," and "The Night Agent," among others.

Investors viewed a price hike as long overdue following a banner 2024 for the company. "We've been expecting a price increase in the US market for quite a while now," Geetha Ranganathan, senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, told Yahoo Finance's Morning Brief program prior to the release.

Tuesday marks the first time the company raised the price of its two-year-old ad tier, which — even with the $1 price increase — remains one of the cheapest ad plans among all of the major streaming players.

The other tiers of service have seen price hikes before. Netflix last raised the price of its Standard plan in January 2022, upping the monthly cost to $15.49 from $13.99. The company increased the cost of its Premium tier by $2 to $19.99 a month in 2022 and then raised it again in October to $22.99.

The streamer had a standout 2024, ending the year with two back-to-back NFL games, a successful "Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson" boxing match, and the return of "Squid Game."

Notably, the Jake Paul and Mike Tyson match attracted over 108 million global viewers, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time. For context, the 2024 Super Bowl, which was the most-watched American TV broadcast ever, pulled in 124 million US viewers.

Similarly, the NFL games averaged around 30 million viewers. According to Netflix, it was its most-watched Christmas Day ever in the US.

The company will continue to double down on sports amid the recent debut of WWE Raw. Rumors have also swirled the company could bid on UFC rights. The company did not comment on a potential UFC bid when asked on the call, although it did hint it's open to welcoming more sports, depending on the financials.