Since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, many important changes have been implemented. 

Due to the controversial areas in which former President Joe Biden spent large amounts of federal aid and grant money, the Trump administration placed a temporary financial freeze on federal grants and loans in order to discuss and determine where that money is truly needed. 

The financial freeze has been seen as a source of worry for many students, and despite the freeze being rescinded, many are unsure whether or not their financial aid will be affected. 

According to The Associated Press, Trump said that “…all foreign assistance would be evaluated as to whether it makes the United States safer, stronger and more prosperous.” 

According to AP News, on Jan. 29 “Student loans, Pell grants and other forms of student aid provided directly to individuals were not affected by the freeze.” 

Despite this, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette sent out an email to all of the students in an attempt to keep people informed about the effects of the freeze. 

The email said, “University leadership is actively monitoring developments at the federal level to understand any potential impacts on students, faculty and staff members, and the University’s programs and activities.” 

The email concluded by saying, “The University understands the uncertainty surrounding these developments and will continue to communicate with you as it gains more clarity on the situation.” 

Students throughout UL Lafayette are stressed and afraid of how the federal financial changes may affect school funding and work studies around campus. 

Natalie Himel, a sophomore psychology major said, “I’m technically a student worker, but not employed through the scholarship job. I’m not worried about my employment, but I am worried about the employment of my friends or people that have a scholarship job.” 

Himel continued saying, “I haven’t heard of anybody that’s been affected yet, per se, but I know that it worries people who are full-time scholarship recipients.” 

Justice Hymel, a sophomore nursing major, was more worried about younger students at other schools outside of UL Lafayette. 

He stated, “Most people do need financial aid in college, but I’m really worried about public schools as of right now because a lot of people that go to public school can’t even afford basic supplies. I just want public schools to have money because it feels like we’re taking money away from public schools whenever they need the most money.” 

Many people are still trying to determine just how these governmental changes will impact their daily lives and their ability to continue their education, but as of right now, tuition aid and federal grants for college students do not seem to be affected. 

One area in which there have been budget cuts within the United States is the National Institutes of Health, also known as the NIH. 

According to BBC, “The NIH said on Friday that it would cap the rates grants pay for indirect research costs at 15 percent, half of the current average rate of 30 percent.” These indirect costs consist of things like utilities and electricity. 

Many are worried that the lowering of the indirect research grants may hinder the efficiency of scientific facilities and upcoming innovations. 

BBC also said, “The move will ‘diminish the nation’s research capacity, slowing scientific progress and depriving patients, families, and communities across the country of new treatments, diagnostics, and preventative interventions’…” 

Others have come to the conclusion that the budget cut to the NIH will be beneficial in the long run. 

The thought is that by cutting down the amount of grant money given out for facility upkeep, more grant money will be available for direct research funds. 

With the change of President of the United States, the government as a whole is changing greatly and will continue to change in the future. 

Many citizens have concerns and worries about what these changes will bring and how they will affect daily life in America. 

Others are confident that the changes will make America more prosperous and efficient.