Trump, RFK Jr. Claim They Were Unaware Funding Was Restored to Planned Parenthood
The Trump administration says it is seeking new ways to block Planned Parenthood from Title X funding after the unexpected restoration of grants reignited tensions with the pro-life movement.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said they were unaware that Title X family-planning funds had recently been restored to organizations including Planned Parenthood, even as administration officials moved to reassure pro-life advocates that alternative measures to cut off the funding are being pursued.
The restoration followed the withdrawal of a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union after a federal review concluded that recipients were not in violation of administration rules limiting involvement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Roughly $120 million in grants had been frozen last year, including about $20 million received by Planned Parenthood affiliates in multiple states.
White House officials said the DEI-based funding block could not withstand legal challenge but indicated new regulatory requirements and updated Title X rules are forthcoming to align the program with Trump administration priorities. Pro-life groups have urged reinstatement of the Protect Life Rule, rescinded under President Joe Biden, which previously disqualified Planned Parenthood from Title X funding.
The controversy comes amid renewed tensions over abortion policy as healthcare negotiations continue in Congress.
Previously, the UOJ reported that pro-life leaders rejected Trump's call for "flexibility" on the Hyde Amendment.
