Trump bypasses Congress to cut 4.9 billion in foreign aid budget

Trump bypasses Congress to cut 4.9 billion in foreign aid budget, using the rare "pocket rescission" method, triggering backlash from both parties, possibly affecting government operations and international image.

US President Trump has decided to significantly cut foreign aid funds. The White House Office of Management and Budget announced on Friday that the Trump administration will use the rare "pocket rescission" method to cut as much as 4.9 billion US dollars in foreign aid budgets approved by Congress, covering various funds for the US Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

This decision has sparked widespread controversy in the US political arena, with both Democratic and Republican parties expressing strong opposition, fearing that this move could be unconstitutional and may cause chaos in government funding, increasing the risk of a federal government shutdown.

According to a letter released by the White House, Trump sent a letter to House Speaker Johnson on Thursday, stating that he does not intend to use the 4.9 billion US dollars in foreign aid funds already approved by Congress. Since the proposal was submitted close to the end of the fiscal year (0930), there was not enough time for Congress to vote on it within 45 days, causing the funds to automatically expire without needing congressional approval to be "retracted."

This "pocket rescission" method involves the president submitting an application to Congress requesting that funds approved during the fiscal year not be used, meaning that the White House submits applications to cut budget funds at the end of the fiscal year so that these funds are already expired before Congress has an obligation to vote. This is the first time in nearly 50 years that a president has used this policy, and it had not been used since President Carter, a Democrat, in 1977. Trump became the first president in nearly 50 years to reinstate this mechanism.

Trump's move effectively bypasses Congress's "fiscal power," which could have an impact on the American constitutional system. If the White House normalizes this method, future presidents may unilaterally decide the use of the budget, weakening Congress's ability to supervise government spending.

Three unnamed Republican members of Congress told American media "Politico" that the budget director, Wolt, may propose more fund revocation suggestions before the end of the current fiscal year, potentially further escalating conflicts between Congress and the White House.

Some Republicans have criticized Trump's actions. Susan Collins, the chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a Republican senator, condemned in a statement "This is clearly an attempt to revoke allocated funds without congressional approval," violating the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

She pointed out, "The US Constitution clearly grants Congress the power to control finances, and any action that bypasses Congress in handling funds violates the principle of the rule of law."

Senate Democratic Leader Schumer warned that Trump's actions could disrupt the normal budget process and leave future government operations uncertain. He said, "This is a bet to bypass Congress and illegally seize budget control."

Democratic Senator Murphy stated on the social media platform X that Trump's move showed his "complete lack of intention to act according to the law," and could increase the risk of a government shutdown. He criticized, "Trump is paving the way for a government shutdown, and any future budget agreement with the Republicans will lose its significance."

The 4.9 billion dollars revoked include 3.2 billion in development assistance grants, 838 million in international peacekeeping funds, 520 million in United Nations funding, and 322 million for projects promoting democratic values. These programs were originally intended to support global development, promote democracy and peace, and have significant impacts on some low-income countries.

Secretary of State Rubio also posted on the social media platform X, confirming that USAID has entered "shutdown mode" and praised the White House budget director Wolt for leading the shutdown procedure. He said, "USAID has long deviated from its original purpose and is now officially heading towards termination."

In fact, the Trump administration has been committed to cutting foreign aid since taking office. Although the actual amount saved has limited impact on the federal deficit, it poses challenges to America's image and influence in the international community. The US announced in February this year that it would terminate nearly 60 billion in foreign aid contracts and merge most of USAID's functions into the Department of State.

At the same time, the Trump administration has also filed an appeal with the Supreme Court to overturn lower court rulings that upheld some foreign aid, such as the global health and HIV/AIDS prevention program, showing its firm stance on reducing diplomatic aid spending.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841848799665227/

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