The White House budget office confirmed on Friday that President Donald Trump has canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid through a so-called ‘pocket rescission.’ This strategy, which allows the executive branch to withhold funds for up to 45 days, has become a point of contention as Congress prepares to face the October 1 fiscal deadline. The move has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, who argue it represents an illegal overreach of executive power and threatens to derail the government’s financial stability.
White House officials, including budget chief Russ Vought, defended the decision, stating that the administration is within its legal rights to withdraw funds before the fiscal year concludes. ‘Congress can vote to rescind or continue the funds, but it does not matter,’ said an official from the White House budget office. ‘This approach is rare but not unprecedented.’ The administration’s argument is based on its ability to send a clawbacks request to Congress, granting lawmakers 45 days to respond, though the window is rapidly closing.
The move has intensified the already delicate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. As the deadline approaches, the potential for a government shutdown grows more urgent, with some lawmakers warning that the cancellation of foreign aid without congressional approval is a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, the White House insists that its actions are both lawful and necessary, reflecting a broader trend of executive agency that has defined much of the Trump administration’s policy approach.