UTAH

Sen. Curtis: Trump cuts are in line with what Americans want

Jan 30, 2025, 3:00 PM

FILE: Sen.-elect John Curtis, R-Utah, sits in his temporary basement office during an interview in ...

FILE: Sen.-elect John Curtis, R-Utah, sits in his temporary basement office during an interview in the Russell Senate Office Building Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This week, Sen. Curtis told KSL NewsRadio that he understands President Trump's desire to trim federal spending, but that he must act within the law. (John McDonnell, for the Deseret News)

(John McDonnell, for the Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Sen. John Curtis said he relies on his experience as the mayor of Provo, Utah, to understand President Donald Trump’s wanting to reduce the size of the federal government.

On Monday, the Trump administration issued a memo announcing the president had frozen federal grants, loans, and similar programs. However, the order was rescinded less than two days later.

Next, Trump announced he would offer buyouts to federal employees who wanted to leave their jobs.

“In 2010, we had some serious budget problems,” Curtis said of the beginning of his time as the mayor of Provo. “And it was tough. But we did have to buy some employees out and rearrange what we were doing.

“In any organization, whether you’re government or corporate… you do need, from time to time, to reevaluate what you’re doing.”

In 2010, the Deseret News reported that as a result of Curtis’ cuts, six employees lost their jobs and that 20 employees were offered severance packages. Curtis wanted to “trim $4 million” from Provo’s 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Deseret News reported.

Curtis believes that Trump’s actions this week are in line with what the American people want.

“The American people have spoken, they want their government to be more efficient. They want us to use their taxpayer money better,” Curtis said.

And he said that choosing to reevaluate how the federal government spends money may be a better option than being forced to do so.

Curtis on Trump’s cabinet picks, TikTok

Curtis was less complimentary when talking about President Trump’s views on returning TikTok to American phones.

On the first day of his second presidency, Trump extended the deadline for a ban on the social media platform that had taken effect the week before.

At that time, the president said he wanted a chance for his advisors to look over a law that banned TikTok in the United States. For Curtis, TikTok returning without a change in ownership isn’t plausible.

“I know people love to complain that Congress never gets anything done, but we spoke in a very loud voice last year, both the House, the Senate, both Republicans and Democrats, and said it’s not acceptable to have a Chinese Communist Party have that type of data and that type of influence.”

Curtis made it clear that, while the president is “welcome to his opinion,” he “has to operate within the laws that Congress passed.”

Related reading: Refugee Justice League says its been inundated with calls from local asylum seekers

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

Migrating swans fly in a Utah waterfowl management area. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)...

Mariah Maynes

Migrating swans will soon soar through Utah, here are 3 places you can see them

As warmer weather approaches, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends three areas to view migrating swans.

53 minutes ago

Officials from the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District said integrating more water from groundwa...

Heather Peterson

Chlorine smell and taste still plaguing Weber Basin water users

Two weekends ago, the rain that hit the frozen Wasatch Back brought naturally-occurring organic materials into the Weber Basin Watershed.

2 hours ago

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe will be retiring after the 2024-25 athletics season....

Mitch Harper, KSL Sports

BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe to retire after 2024-25 season

PROVO, Utah – It’s the end of an era for BYU athletics as Tom Holmoe is set to retire after the 2024-25 season. Holmoe announced the decision on Tuesday. The former BYU football defensive back has been BYU’s athletic director for 20 years. BYU’s athletic season concludes this May. Breaking: BYU announces that AD Tom Holmoe […]

2 hours ago

Police lights in Salt Lake City....

Mariah Maynes

Multi-vehicle crash causing heavy delays in Lehi

A multi-vehicle car crash is causing significant delays on I-15 southbound in Lehi.

3 hours ago

Huntsville, in Weber County, Utah, is pictured on Oct. 6, 2021. A delivery driver died Tuesday, a d...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Officials identify delivery driver killed after being crushed by vehicle near Huntsville

The woman worked for a third-party company contracting with the Postal Service and was using her own vehicle, Weber County officials said.

3 hours ago

A screenshot from the Utah Avalanche Center website shows the approximate location of the Monte Cri...

Mariah Maynes

Monte Cristo Avalanche report details slide that killed one

A report published by Utah Avalanche Center revealed the details of the Monte Cristo avalanche, which killed one snowmobiler on Feb. 3.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Sen. Curtis: Trump cuts are in line with what Americans want