Trump's Unilateral Spending Freeze Sparks Political Showdown

In a controversial maneuver, President Donald Trump intends to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid, a decision that has ignited a political clash over fiscal authority in the United States. According to a letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the President plans to withhold funds for 15 global programs, a move viewed by many as a challenge to Congress' constitutional power over federal spending.

The administration's approach employs what's known as a 'pocket rescission', circumventing Congress entirely. However, this has met with significant criticism, both on legal and political fronts. U.S. budget director Russell Vought justifies the tactic by asserting the President's ability to withhold funds for 45 days, but critics highlight that such strategies were last employed in 1977, raising questions about modern applicability.

While some GOP lawmakers support fiscal reductions, Senator Susan Collins and others argue this method is illegal. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer cautions that the President may be orchestrating a government shutdown by disregarding legislative spending mandates. The unfolding battle places fiscal policy and legal procedures under a searing spotlight.

(With inputs from agencies.)