By Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda, Executive Director, Center for Independent Living & Theo Braddy, Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living

The decision by the Trump Administration to freeze federal funding is not just a policy move—it’s a direct attack on the lives of millions of Americans, particularly older adults and people with disabilities. It’s reckless, it’s cruel, and it puts our most vulnerable communities in immediate danger.

We cannot afford to sugarcoat what this means. The lifelines people depend on—Medicaid, housing assistance, independent living programs, job training, substance abuse treatment, and other essential community services—are now on the chopping block.

For decades, the independent living movement has fought to ensure that disabled people have the right to live, work, and participate fully in society. Now, with a single executive order, the Trump Administration is undermining decades of progress and jeopardizing the very programs that make independence possible.

The Real-World Impact: Who Gets Hurt?

Some people may dismiss this as bureaucratic maneuvering, but let’s be clear about what’s happening. This funding freeze is not abstract—it’s personal.

Millions of disabled people and older adults rely on Medicaid to provide medical care and Medicaid-funded home care workers to get out of bed, eat, and manage daily life. What happens to them when funding stalls?
There are 408 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the country that provide critical services—housing support, assistive technology, residential access, transportation, employment training—many of which depend on federal grants. Without this funding, staff and programs disappear, leaving people stranded.
States and local governments rely on these funds to keep programs running. Without them, emergency aid, assistive technology programs, and even basic medical services may grind to a halt.

This is not theoretical. We have seen what happens when political games put real people’s lives at risk. Look no further than past government shutdowns, which led to delayed services, unpaid workers, and an erosion of trust in public institutions.

The Broader Economic and Moral Failure

Freezing federal funding doesn’t just hurt individuals—it destabilizes entire communities and economies. States already struggling with housing crises, an aging population, and workforce shortages now face further disruption.

And let’s talk about morality. The U.S. has long claimed to be a leader in civil rights, disability rights, and social justice. Yet this move is a direct assault on the very people who fought to secure those rights. People with disabilities, seniors, low-income families—these are the communities that will suffer first and most.

This executive order is now blocked in court, the battle could take months to years. Even with no further delays, damage is already done. The uncertainty alone creates fear, instability, and chaos for organizations and individuals who rely on these resources.

A Moment for Unity and Resistance

This is a moment that requires clarity, courage, and conviction.

We cannot stand by while our community is put in harm’s way. This is not about politics. This is about survival.

To the disability community and older adults: We see you. We hear you. We are in this fight together. To policymakers: We need more than statements—we need action. Proactively block future orders. Restore stability. Protect the people who need it most. Invest whatever resources we can at local and state-levels. To the American public: This is not just about disability rights—it’s about resources all of our families and each of us will need in the immediate or long-term. It’s about the kind of country we want to be. If we abandon those in time of need, we abandon our humanity.

We stand together. We fight together. And we will not let this stand.

Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda
Executive Director, Center for Independent Living

Theo Braddy
Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living

About The CIL