The order that froze trillions of dollars of federal grants and loans was published without vetting by key officials in the White House.

The Trump administration, days after issuing a memo that froze federal spending on grants and loans, backpedaled Wednesday intending to “end any confusion” but instead only added to

The White House memo issued late Monday led to chaos and confusion as to what programs would be impacted by the freeze.

But the spending freeze – along with other key moves early in this presidency, including the firing of Justice Department prosecutors and a bid to repeal birthright citizenship – also reflects Trump’s view that the presidency has almost unlimited power and he can simply decide what is legal and what isn’t.

A chaotic back-and-forth over President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans has farmers, activists, organizations and businesses wondering whether they will receive the funding they rely on.

Democrats are taking credit for ginning up a public reaction to a funding “pause.” But this is just the first of many battles.

The Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded a sweeping directive to pause federal loans, grants and other financial assistance, a White House official said, just shortly before it was set to appear in court for a second straight day to defend the policy.