President Donald Trump is making an effort to unilaterally block more than $800 million in funds approved by Congress for immigration, racial equity, and education, according to reports from Reuters.
This initiative marks the latest chapter in the ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Congress over control of national spending.
The White House stated, “President Trump is determined to use all possible tools to reduce wasteful and harmful government spending that does not benefit American citizens.”
Among the programs referenced are those focused on refugee assistance, minority business development, and environmental conservation abroad.
While the Constitution grants Congress power over the budget, the White House contends that the targeted programs supported illegal immigration, exacerbated racial tensions, and promoted alarmist environmental approaches.
The administration is employing a rarely used technique known as “pocket rescission,” which allows the White House to bypass Congress.
Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has described this action as illegal. “This is the latest attempt by the Office of Management and Budget to undermine Congress’s constitutional authority over finances,” Collins, a Republican supporting Trump, stated as she campaigns for reelection in Maine.
She added, “Any effort to nullify allocated funds without Congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.” Last year, the Supreme Court refused to stop Trump from using the same tactic to withhold $4.9 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress.
