Beyond the Headlines

Navigating Change in the Federal Government 

Our content hub explores the potential impact of the second Trump Administration and the 119th U.S. Congress, offering legal insights into regulatory, economic, and legislative developments impacting your business and industry.

Stay informed with insights across multiple topics such as regulatory compliance, energy, cybersecurity, global trade, and more to help your organization navigate this changing landscape. 

Federal Funding
Immigration
Employment
Energy

Federal Judge Orders Immediate Release of Federal Funding Amidst Continued Freeze on the Disbursement of Federal Funds

A federal court decision has unlocked critical federal funding after a lengthy freeze. U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued an Enforcement Order requiring the immediate release of funds, impacting programs under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The judge also ordered an immediate end to any pauses on funding during the restraining order. Concerns remain about the Administration's handling of court orders and executive authority. But for now, this decision provides much-needed relief for programs supported by the Federal Government.

OMB Rescinds Federal Funding Assistance Freeze Memo; Uncertainty Still Surrounds Certain Programs

On January 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that it had rescinded its earlier memo (issued on January 27) which ordered a temporary pause on certain federal grant and loan disbursements. But even with the rescinded memo, the White House has stated that the issued Executive Orders on funding reviews remain in full force and effect, casting uncertainty on programs related to financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, and more.

What Companies Need to Know About the Federal Financial Assistance Freeze

On January 27, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a major freeze on all federal financial assistance. This pause could potentially impact up to $3 trillion in federal funding and involves sectors like energy, healthcare, and education, as well as a wide range of federal grant recipients. Reports suggest that OMB has since withdrawn the OMB Memorandum; however, as long as the underlying executive orders are in place, there continues to be an executive mandate to freeze funding as defined by the executive orders.

How Companies May Be Impacted by Immigration Priorities Under the New Trump Administration

With the new Trump Administration promising sweeping changes in immigration policy, businesses face key challenges that could disrupt operations and impact employees. Top-of-mind issues include continuity of operations, employee travel, and visa and green card processing. The new administration will hit the ground running, so the time to act is now.

New Administration Puts DEI Programs On Notice

On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order that could reshape diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and accessibility (DEIA) efforts across federal and private sectors. We explore what it means for federal DEI programs, private sector scrutiny, and compliance for colleges.

Permitting Reform in the Trump Administration

With the new administration, the United States looks poised to embrace policies that could make permitting more efficient—a step in the right direction. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Competing goals and commitments within the administration’s framework could create friction points and unintended roadblocks for meaningful permitting reform. Finding the balance won’t be easy, but it’s a challenge worth tackling.

Global Business
Finance
Privacy and Cybersecurity

Alan Enslen Discusses Trump Administration’s Tariff Policies with BBC

Donald Trump’s proposed 25% steel tariffs, aimed at tackling China’s steel overcapacity, are part of a bigger strategy by the Trump Administration to use tariffs as leverage in negotiations across industries like automotive and pharmaceuticals. Businesses should take a closer look at their global supply chains and contracts to prepare for the uncertainty these trade policies might bring—especially since they could mean higher prices for consumers.

Prospects for Latin American Finance Under a Second Trump Administration

Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency is already impacting Latin American economies, bringing changes to trade, finance, and investment. Renewed tariffs could disrupt exports, though trade agreements may create new opportunities. Deregulation in the financial sector could boost U.S. bank activity in the region, increasing lending but challenging local banks. A strong dollar policy and shifting U.S. priorities may reshape access to capital markets, affecting bond and equity issuers.

International Arbitration: What You Need to Know for 2025

In 2025, we've got our eye on international arbitration developments and their impact on global businesses. Last year brought significant changes in arbitration law and policy in the U.S. and worldwide. Businesses enforcing arbitration agreements and awards in U.S. federal courts could benefit from these changes. However, shifts in regions like the EU and Mexico may require closer attention to how arbitration agreements are structured and operations managed.

What's Happening in Crypto and the Impact of a New Administration

Curious about where crypto and digital assets are headed under a new administration? This episode dives into what the future of regulation and SEC enforcement might look like by 2025. We break it down in plain terms in a straightforward look at how these changes could shape the digital asset industry. Whether you're a crypto enthusiast or just keeping an eye on the space, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Trump to Spur State Health Privacy Enforcement: Explained

Companies managing sensitive health data are entering a time of change as the new Trump administration prepares to reshape federal policies in 2025. While specifics remain unclear, there’s a possibility the Justice Department might step back from defending recent Health and Human Services privacy rules in court, leaving federal protections vulnerable to state challenges. If federal protections are scaled back, businesses will face an increasingly complex patchwork of state regulations to navigate. Staying ahead of these shifts will be key to ensuring compliance and continuing to build trust with those you serve.

What to Expect from the 119th Congress

In December 2024, our Washington, D.C. office hosted an event titled “What to Expect from the 119th Congress.” Forbes Tate Partners co-presented the event, featuring a bipartisan conversation with top Congressional staffers and esteemed experts in government affairs and Congressional investigations. Topics included DOGE, Congressional investigations, opportunities for bipartisan cooperation, and the reemergence of interest in antitrust policy.

Read the full article here.
 

 


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