It referenced the executive orders, including those seeking to dismantle programmes related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), president Donald Trump has signed since taking office last week.

“In the interim, to the extent permissible under applicable law, federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be impacted by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organisations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal,” Matthew J Vaeth, the acting director of the office of management and budget, wrote in the memo.

The suspension goes into effect on Jan 28 at 5pm eastern time (2200 GMT), according to the memo.

Agencies have until Feb 10 to submit detailed information on any programmes, projects or activities subject to the pause, the memo states.

The suspension will provide the administration with time to review agency programmes and determine the best uses of funding for those programmes consistent with the law and Trump’s priorities, it added.

Agencies must identify legally mandated actions or deadlines for assistance programmes before completing the analysis, it added.

Vaeth directed federal agencies to halt all activities associated with open notices of funding opportunities.

“This memorandum requires federal agencies to identify and review all federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the president’s policies and requirement,” Vaeth wrote.