Trump cancels $4.9B foreign aid, escalating Congress funding clash

Events - تقریبات , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, August 29th, 2025

rki.news | Washington, 29 August 2025
The White House on Friday announced the cancellation of $4.9 billion in foreign aid, asserting presidential authority to withhold funds previously approved by Congress. The move, made through a “pocket rescission,” bypasses lawmakers’ power of the purse and intensifies tensions ahead of September’s funding deadline.
Budget director Russ Vought argued that with fewer than 45 days left in the fiscal year, the administration can withhold the money until it expires, ensuring its cancellation regardless of congressional action. Officials described the step as “rare but not unprecedented.”
The decision sparked sharp backlash from both parties. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, a Republican, called the move “a clear violation of the law,” while her Democratic counterpart, Sen. Patty Murray, denounced it as a “brazen attempt to usurp Congress’ authority.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that Democrats could block passage of a government funding bill if Republicans fail to resist the White House. “Republicans don’t have to be a rubber stamp for this carnage,” he said.
The rescissions target more than $3.2 billion managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, along with hundreds of millions in peacekeeping funds. Legal challenges are already underway, with a federal court set to review whether the cuts are lawful or “arbitrary and capricious.”
With Congress facing an October 1 deadline to avoid a government shutdown, the funding standoff threatens to derail bipartisan negotiations and trigger a prolonged legal fight.