Trump cuts $5 billion in funding without Congress approval

In recent months, President Donald Trump has taken drastic steps to diminish Congress's power over federal spending. His administration's latest move includes a significant cut of approximately $5 billion from U.S. foreign aid, affecting the State Department and the USAID. This action has brought criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with lawmakers arguing that Trump’s approach is unconstitutional and illegal under the Impoundment Control Act, which allows the president to notify Congress about proposed cuts within a specific timeframe. Notably, figures such as Senator Susan Collins and Senator Patty Murray have been vocal, calling these moves an attempt to circumvent Congress's established financial authority. Legislators are concerned that such actions could lead to a dangerous precedent concerning executive power and appropriations, igniting a larger debate about the limits of presidential authority over federal budget matters. Trump's use of pocket rescissions, which allows the freezing of funds within 45 days unless Congress acts, has met with significant pushback. Legislators argue that these powers must be clearly defined and limited to prevent any administration from undermining the legislative branch's constitutional responsibilities. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has condemned this action as a