President Donald Trump issued a memo ordering a freezing of federal funds. After lawsuits and a federal judge issuing an injunction, the memo was rescinded.

After major backlash, Trump’s radical plan to freeze government spending is on hold. Now, it’s all very confusing and somewhat opaque — which, under Trump, is by design — but here’s what appears to have happened: We often forget that Trump has frequently been cowed by public opinion when it turns against him.

The Trump administration, days after issuing a memo that froze federal spending on grants and loans, backpedaled Wednesday intending to “end any confusion” but instead only added to

A memo that paused federal grants and loans briefly put tens of millions of dollars in local funding for housing, public works and more in jeopardy.

The White House memo issued late Monday led to chaos and confusion as to what programs would be impacted by the freeze.

Democrats are taking credit for ginning up a public reaction to a funding “pause.” But this is just the first of many battles.

A federal funding freeze announced by President Donald Trump’s administration this week sparked concern in the public health community about the fate of crucial services and the communities served by them.