The Trump administration implemented the funding freeze through an executive order issued in January 2025. The order directed a pause on all U.S. foreign assistance funds and grants, including those allocated to organizations like Catholic Charities. The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo specifying that funding for programs, including financial assistance for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) like Catholic Charities, would be temporarily paused. This pause was part of an effort to review and realign U.S. foreign aid with the administration’s policies.