Stories
Trump Seeks to Withhold $800 Million in Congress-Approved Funds
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CNBC TV18•26-09-2026, 11:42
Trump Seeks to Withhold $800 Million in Congress-Approved Funds
- •President Donald Trump moved to unilaterally withhold over $800 million in Congress-approved spending for immigration, race, and education.
- •The White House stated the funds support illegal immigration, stoke racial tensions, and promote alarmist environmental approaches.
- •Trump is employing a "pocket rescission" technique, bypassing Congress, which Senator Susan Collins deemed "illegal."
- •This action marks the latest conflict between the Trump administration and Congress over control of national spending.
- •The Supreme Court previously allowed Trump to use a similar tactic to withhold $4.9 billion in foreign aid while litigation proceeded.
Key Questions Answered
US President Donald Trump is seeking to unilaterally withhold more than $800 million in spending that was previously approved by Congress on immigration, race, and education.
The White House is deploying a rarely used technique known as a pocket rescission to bypass Congress and withhold the appropriated funds.
Senator Susan Collins described the move as illegal and a clear violation of the law, stating it undermines Congress's constitutional power of the purse.
