Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt – Part 2

January 29, 2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Federal Funding Freeze:
- Direct assistance to individuals is maintained; the freeze applies to funds funneled indirectly through organizations.
- OMB issued a memo clarifying that federally appropriated money can be paused—confirmed as legal by the White House Counsel’s Office.
Immigration and Border Enforcement:
- All unauthorized immigrants arrested by ICE are labeled as criminals under the administration’s policy.
- Steps include increased vetting for refugees and visa applicants with a potential ban on countries lacking robust screening (e.g., Afghanistan, Syria).
- Focus on addressing visa overstays as part of broader immigration enforcement.
Tariff and Trade Policies:
- Tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China are scheduled for February 1; additional sectoral tariffs (pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, metals) were mentioned.
- Discussion of a universal tariff was raised, with the president rejecting a low margin and favoring a higher rate.
- Expectations for foreign nations to enhance border security and repatriate their citizens accompany these measures.
Security Details for Former Officials:
- The administration has ended taxpayer-funded security for former government officials (e.g., John Bolton, Pompeo, Brian Hook), emphasizing reliance on private security if needed.
Executive Authority and Personnel Changes:
- The president defended the decision to fire several inspectors general and career prosecutors, citing executive authority and precedent from a recent Supreme Court case.
International Funding and Terrorist Designations:
- Funding for UNRWA has been terminated and the Houthis have been re-designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
- The administration criticized previous decisions by the prior administration regarding these issues.
Domestic Policy and Disaster Response:
- An executive order directs the implementation of an Iron Dome system, with further studies to be conducted by the Department of Defense.
- Actions include pressure on local officials to restore essential services (e.g., water in California amid wildfires) and support for communities affected by natural disasters.
Birthright Citizenship Changes:
- The president signed an executive order challenging birthright citizenship, arguing it is unconstitutional and committing to a legal fight potentially up to the Supreme Court.
Foreign Policy and NATO Commitments:
- The administration supports continued NATO membership on the condition that member nations increase their defense spending to 5%.
Economic and Fiscal Policies:
- The president is committed to extending tax cuts while also pursuing spending cuts, with a strong emphasis on his negotiation prowess.
- Concerns about rising inflation and egg prices were addressed by attributing prior policies (including mass culling of chickens) to current shortages, with plans to address these issues through leadership appointments and economic strategy.
Cultural and Diversity Considerations:
- Despite debates over “anti-DEI” measures, the administration plans to continue celebrating American history and events such as Black History Month.

Risks & Considerations

The federal funding freeze could impact organizations that receive indirect assistance, such as Meals on Wheels, which may affect services provided to vulnerable populations. This could lead to increased demand for community support and resources, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s community engagement initiatives.
The administration’s stance on immigration, particularly the classification of all undocumented immigrants as criminals, may affect international students and faculty at Vanderbilt. This could lead to challenges in recruitment and retention of international talent.
The executive order on increased vetting for visa applications could result in delays or denials for international students and scholars, impacting Vanderbilt’s global programs and collaborations.
The potential for tariffs on various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and technology, could affect research funding and partnerships with international institutions and companies.
The administration’s decision to end funding for certain NGOs and redesignate groups as terrorist organizations may impact Vanderbilt’s partnerships and research initiatives in international development and peace studies.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to provide additional support and guidance to international students and faculty affected by changes in immigration policies.
The Office of Community Engagement might need to increase its efforts to support local organizations affected by the federal funding freeze, ensuring continued service to vulnerable populations.
Vanderbilt’s Global Education Office may face challenges in maintaining international partnerships and study abroad programs due to increased visa vetting and potential travel restrictions.
Research centers focused on international relations and policy may need to adjust their focus to address the implications of the administration’s foreign policy decisions and funding changes.

Financial Impact

The freeze on federal funding could lead to reduced financial support for programs and initiatives that rely on government grants, necessitating adjustments in funding strategies and priorities.
Potential tariffs on key sectors could impact research funding and collaboration opportunities with international partners, affecting Vanderbilt’s research output and innovation.
Changes in immigration policies may lead to a decrease in international student enrollment, impacting tuition revenue and the diversity of the student body.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to support affected students, faculty, and community partners, potentially straining existing budgets and resources.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive orders and policies present a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and strategies at Vanderbilt University.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor the implications of the federal funding freeze, particularly for programs that receive indirect assistance. Understanding the impact on organizations like Meals on Wheels could help the university anticipate changes in community support services and adjust its outreach and engagement strategies accordingly.
The Department of Political Science should analyze the potential legal and societal impacts of the executive order on birthright citizenship. This research could provide valuable insights into constitutional debates and inform the university’s policy recommendations and public discourse.
Vanderbilt’s Immigration Law Clinic should prepare for potential changes in immigration enforcement, particularly regarding visa overstays and deportation policies. By offering legal support and guidance, the clinic can assist affected students and community members in navigating these changes.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should assess the potential impact of the administration’s stance on minority-serving institutions and DEI initiatives. This evaluation will be crucial for maintaining the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its programs and policies.
Vanderbilt’s Economic Research Center should investigate the economic implications of the administration’s tariff policies, particularly those affecting sectors like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. This research can inform the university’s strategic planning and partnerships in these industries.

Opportunities

The executive order on increased vetting for refugees and visa applications presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s International Studies Program to engage in research and dialogue on global migration policies. By contributing to the understanding of international screening processes, the program can enhance its academic offerings and influence policy discussions.
Vanderbilt can leverage the administration’s focus on national security and defense spending to strengthen its partnerships with the Department of Defense. This could include collaborative research projects and educational programs that align with the university’s expertise in security studies and technology development.
The emphasis on fiscal responsibility and spending cuts offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies to analyze the long-term effects of these policies on public services and infrastructure. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the program can contribute to shaping effective and equitable fiscal policies.
The administration’s commitment to celebrating American history and contributions from diverse communities aligns with Vanderbilt’s mission to promote cultural understanding and inclusivity. The university can host events and initiatives that highlight the achievements of underrepresented groups, fostering a more inclusive campus environment.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on funding, immigration, and diversity initiatives.)

Average Relevance Score: 4

Timeline for Implementation

February 1st: The president reiterated that the tariff measures for Canada, Mexico, and a potential 10% tariff for China are slated to take effect on February 1st.

No other specific deadlines were provided for other directives, so this is the shortest and most concrete timeline mentioned.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Cited multiple times for issuing memos that justify the freeze on federal spending and analyzing overall federal expenditures.
White House Counsel’s Office: Involved in advising on the legality of the funding freeze and other executive actions taken by the administration.
Presidential Personnel Office: Instrumental in executing personnel changes, including the firing of inspectors general and career prosecutors within various agencies.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Referenced with regard to its arrests of illegal immigrants and enforcement of immigration laws.
Department of State: Directed to review visa vetting procedures for both legal and illegal entrants and to report back to the president.
Department of Defense (including the Army Corps of Engineers): Tasked with implementing the president’s directives on defense measures such as establishing an Iron Dome and responding to natural disasters.
Department of Justice (DOJ): Affected by executive decisions that include firings of career prosecutors and oversight on legal investigations.
Department of Agriculture: Mentioned in the context of addressing issues related to food supply and pricing, such as the egg shortage.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): Impacted by the decision to end federal funding, reflecting a shift in foreign aid policy.

Relevance Score: 3 (Six to ten Federal Agencies are impacted by the directives and actions discussed in the text.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of State – Tasked with reviewing the visa vetting process and ensuring that other nations maintain transparency in their screening procedures as directed by the executive order on increased vetting.
Department of Defense – Responsible for implementing the directive to study and potentially deploy an Iron Dome system, including coordinating research and necessary actions as outlined in the executive order.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials responsible for critical national security and foreign policy functions.)