Trump Halts $4.9B in Congress-Approved Foreign Aid: A Rare Move Not Seen in Nearly 50 Years

In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump informed House Speaker Mike Johnson that he won’t allocate $4.9 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress. Instead, he’s using a tactic called a pocket rescission. This means he can ask Congress not to spend the funds at the end of the fiscal year, making it so they can’t act on it in time, and the money remains unspent. This is the first time a president has used this method in nearly 50 years.

The decision, announced via a letter on the official White House Office of Management and Budget’s account on X (formerly Twitter), states that the funds will be cut from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This aligns with Trump’s long-term efforts to limit foreign aid.

If this practice becomes more common, it could allow the President to sidestep Congress on major budget decisions. This might complicate funding efforts for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts in October.

Experts note this shift represents a broader trend where the Trump administration seeks more control over government operations, diminishing Congress’s role. They have already made significant changes, such as cutting federal jobs and raising tariffs without Congressional input.

A White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, mentioned they were confident in the legality of these pocket rescissions. They believe it will set a strong precedent for future funding cuts.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated the move, stating that USAID is essentially being wrapped up. He praised the budget director for facilitating this change. This action reflects a significant reduction in foreign aid, as the administration aims to streamline government spending.

Historically, pocket rescissions were rarely used, with the last known instance occurring during Jimmy Carter’s presidency in 1977. However, the legal boundaries of this move are murky, as Carter’s process began well before the deadline for Congress to act.

Not everyone is on board with this strategy. Several senators, including Susan Collins from Maine, voiced strong objections. Collins emphasized that the Constitution gives Congress authority over spending. She urged for a bipartisan approach to budget reductions instead of unilateral decisions from the White House.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned that these tactics could lead to unnecessary government shutdowns. He highlighted that Republican leaders have not engaged with Democrats on future funding, creating uncertainty about the budget process.

Legal expert Eloise Pasachoff from Georgetown University argues that the Impoundment Control Act explicitly requires Congressional approval within 45 days of a rescission request. This means the administration cannot unilaterally decide to withhold spending.

The funds in question include $3.2 billion in development grants, $520 million for the United Nations, and money earmarked for international peacekeeping and promoting democracy abroad. Despite previous efforts to cut funding, the overall impact on the federal deficit remains minimal compared to broader spending.

Research indicates that significant cuts to foreign aid can harm the U.S.’s global standing, impacting access to essential resources like food and medical supplies for many in need. The administration has aimed to eliminate most of USAID’s contracts, affecting millions worldwide.

As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these actions on global aid and domestic policy will remain a topic of debate. How this strategy unfolds could reshape the government’s approach to funding and international relations.

For additional context on the implications of foreign aid cuts, see this [USAID report](https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/usaid-workers-clear-their-desks-in-trumps-final-push-to-dismantle-the-agency/).

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