The White House says the reductions eliminate unnecessary immigration and ideological programs, while critics dispute the president’s authority.
President Trump is canceling nearly $1 billion in spending previously approved by Congress through a rarely used procedure known as a pocket rescission.
The White House said the reductions include $567 million from Health and Human Services programs serving refugees, asylum seekers and other noncitizens. Additional cuts affect migrant-student services, housing counseling, minority-business development and several federal grant programs.
The administration says reduced illegal border crossings have made portions of the spending unnecessary and described other targeted programs as wasteful or ideological.
Under the Impoundment Control Act, Congress normally receives 45 days to review a president’s rescission request. The White House submitted the proposal with only five days remaining in the federal fiscal year, effectively allowing the funds to expire before Congress can complete that process.
The Government Accountability Office considers pocket rescissions illegal. Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the action occurred without consultation and improperly interfered with Congress’ constitutional spending authority.
The White House maintains that President Trump is using authority available under federal law. The disagreement may ultimately be tested in court.
