John McCarthy
CHRISTIANSTED — Governor Albert Bryan today issued the following statement regarding a recent memorandum from the White House directing all federal executive branch departments and agencies to temporarily pause federal grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs:
“Like many leaders across the nation, I am deeply concerned by the potential ramifications of this temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs. While I understand the importance of ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and aligned with stated priorities, the abruptness and breadth of this directive raise significant questions about its immediate and long-term impact—particularly for vulnerable communities and territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands that rely heavily on federal assistance for critical programs and services.
This directive has understandably caused concern for Virgin Islanders. From housing and healthcare to education, infrastructure, and disaster recovery, federal financial assistance plays an indispensable role in helping us meet the needs of our people as we build a more resilient and prosperous future. Any interruption, even temporary, has the potential to create unintended hardships for individuals and families who depend on these resources, as well as hinder ongoing projects vital to our economic growth and stability.
My administration remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of Virgin Islanders, and we are carefully monitoring this situation. While we continue to review the President’s memorandum and accompanying executive orders to fully assess their implications for the Virgin Islands, I want to assure our community that we are actively engaged with federal partners to ensure that our territory’s priorities and needs are heard and addressed.
I also want to be clear: there is significant legal uncertainty surrounding whether the President can effectuate such sweeping changes through executive action alone. However, this administration will remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for the interests of the Virgin Islands and ensuring we are not disproportionately affected by federal policy decisions.”
