Republican Calls Trump Move Unlawful

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is clashing with President Donald Trump over his push to slash billions in foreign aid spending—an effort the White House says is necessary to cut waste, but critics in Washington call “unlawful.”

Trump Targets Foreign Aid Waste

The Trump administration is moving to rescind nearly $5 billion in previously approved funds for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The move, known as a “pocket rescission,” would allow the president to block spending without Congress’s direct approval.

OMB Director Russell Vought defended the decision as a legitimate “executive tool” to control runaway budgets. He argued that American taxpayers should not be forced to bankroll bloated international programs while the U.S. faces its own economic challenges.

Murkowski Pushes Back

Murkowski, a senior Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, blasted the plan. In a post on X, she declared, “Congress alone bears the constitutional responsibility for funding our government.” She warned that bypassing lawmakers threatens bipartisan negotiations to avoid a shutdown.

Her remarks echo Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who also sided with Democrats in opposing Trump’s rescission strategy.

A Familiar Trump Tactic

Earlier in the year, President Trump used the same process to cancel roughly $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting programs—an action applauded by fiscal conservatives. This time, however, lawmakers from both parties argue the latest maneuver is designed to stall Congress until the money expires, making it unlawful.

Shutdown Deadline Approaches

Congress must act by September 30, when the fiscal year ends, to keep the government funded. Trump insists his plan is about protecting taxpayers and putting America First, while critics accuse him of overstepping his authority.

The showdown sets up another major test between President Trump and the Washington establishment—just weeks before Congress faces its next budget deadline.