Staffers would be paid for eight months if they resign rather than return to the office full time.

As expected, the White House issued a directive to the heads of all executive departments and agencies within the first few hours after

The move comes after the order sparked widespread criticism and confusion. A federal district judge had temporarily paused the freeze.

Administration officials said the decision to halt loans and grants was necessary to ensure that spending complies with Trump’s recent blitz of executive orders.

The Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded a sweeping directive to pause federal loans, grants and other financial assistance, a White House official said, just shortly before it was set to appear in court for a second straight day to defend the policy.