Here are 12 stories about federal cuts in NC during Donald Trump’s first 100 days
Editor’s note: This article used artificial intelligence to create summaries of articles previously written by journalists at The Charlotte Observer.
From Medicaid to immigration, The Charlotte Observer’s reporters spent the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term writing about how things are changing in North Carolina.
This week brought day No. 100 — a period presidents frequently use to determine early performance of their term. One of the biggest trends so far for Trump: cuts and frozen spending affecting how local entities carry out their daily work.
We’ve compiled a list below of 12 stories we’ve published since the start of the year related to those cuts. They cover a range of local, regional and statewide effects.
Trump administration cuts in North Carolina
▪ UNC Charlotte researcher’s grant cut for focusing on LGBTQ health, she says
Annelise Mennicke’s research at UNC Charlotte faced a significant setback when a federal grant was rescinded. The grant, focused on improving mental health outcomes for LGBTQ survivors of sexual abuse, was canceled due to its focus on LGBTQ health, according to the termination letter. This cut was part of a broader trend affecting over 68 grants nationwide, totaling $40 million, impacting LGBTQ health research. The cancellation halted interventions that aimed to improve safety and mental health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals in Charlotte.
▪ US ‘made a promise,’ but Social Security cuts could harm Charlotte workers, Dems say
Changes to the Social Security Administration under the Trump administration raised concerns in Charlotte. Staffing cuts and policy changes, including office closures, have strained the system, affecting residents’ access to services. U.S. Rep. Alma Adams and local advocates protested these changes, emphasizing the importance of Social Security for low-income residents. The administration’s actions led to fears of worsening service quality and accessibility for those relying on Social Security benefits.
▪ CMS budget proposal includes teacher raises as it cuts federal funding expectations
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools prepared for potential federal funding cuts by allocating less than two-thirds of its projected federal funding in the upcoming budget. The district’s budget proposal, however, included teacher raises and aimed to maintain the student experience despite financial constraints. CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill has emphasized the importance of retaining educators and avoiding staff cuts.
▪ Trump cut forces migrant children in Charlotte to go to court alone, nonprofit says
The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy grappled with the impact of federal funding cuts on its ability to represent migrant children in court. The termination of a $900,000 contract left over 300 cases without legal representation, forcing children to navigate the complex immigration system alone. The cuts are part of broader funding reductions affecting nonprofits that provide legal assistance to vulnerable populations.
▪ ‘Money is running out’ for NC farms reliant on USDA grants after federal cuts
North Carolina farms faced uncertainty due to federal cuts to USDA programs that supported local food purchases. These cuts affect programs that allowed schools and food banks to buy directly from local farmers, impacting their business. Farmers like Kim Shaw of Small City Farm in Charlotte express concern over the future of their operations. The cuts also threaten food security for vulnerable populations, including school children and low-income households, as local food supply chains are disrupted.
▪ Western NC food banks, pantries in Helene-ravaged communities see federal funding cuts
Food banks in Western North Carolina, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, are grappling with funding cuts from the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program. Organizations like MANNA FoodBank and Second Harvest Food Bank face significant funding gaps, affecting their ability to provide healthy, locally sourced food. The cuts also impact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which relied on these funds to offer local produce to students.
▪ Charlotte-area school grants cut after Department of Education claims they promote DEI
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools lost over $5 million in federal grants due to their involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The cuts affect programs aimed at recruiting diverse teachers and improving education in high-need schools. The U.S. Department of Education’s decision to terminate these grants reflects broader federal actions against DEI initiatives. CMS leaders are concerned about the potential impact on Title I, II, and III grants, which support disadvantaged students and teacher development.
▪ Medicaid is a lifeline for this Charlotte family. Cuts could mean ‘financial ruin’
Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress threaten the well-being of families like the Staggses in Charlotte, who rely on Medicaid for essential healthcare services. The cuts could affect services provided by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for students with special needs. The potential reduction in Medicaid funding raises concerns about the ability to meet the healthcare and educational needs of vulnerable populations. Local representatives and families are advocating against the cuts.This story was originally published April 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Here are 12 stories about federal cuts in NC during Donald Trump’s first 100 days."