Trump administration uses rare authority to claw back nearly $1B in spending approved by Congress

Summary

The Trump administration announced nearly $1 billion in rescissions of congressionally approved domestic spending, largely affecting refugee, unaccompanied-minor, migrant-student, diversity, minority-business, housing, and some international-education programs. The administration said the targeted funds were unnecessary or ideologically harmful. Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray condemned the move as an unconstitutional effort to seize Congress’s spending authority. Federal law provides a 45-day review period, but the timing leaves little practical opportunity for congressional action. The Government Accountability Office considers this “pocket rescission” method illegal, while the administration disputes that interpretation.