WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has rescinded nearly $1 billion in spending approved by Congress, the White House announced Friday, using a rare executive authority to cancel funding for programs supporting immigrants and diversity initiatives.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) described the cuts as targeting 'the most harmful government spending,' with most reductions affecting Health and Human Services programs serving refugees and unaccompanied minors accused of illegal border crossings. The administration justified the action by stating that illegal border crossings have diminished considerably, rendering the funds unnecessary.
Affected Programs
The rescissions target multiple federal departments, including:
- Department of Education programs for migrant students
- Department of Justice office focused on reducing racial tensions
- Business development initiatives for minority entrepreneurs
- Housing counseling services from the Housing and Urban Development Department
- Grants from Health and Human Services labeled by the administration as 'outright harmful and blatantly ideological'
A White House press release noted that some of the organizations receiving funding were led by individuals who previously worked in the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama.
Political Response
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, condemned the action, stating it occurred without warning or consultation. Collins argued the move 'usurps Congress’s appropriations powers' and called the delay an 'illegal impoundment' that was not reported to Congress.
Under federal law, Congress has 45 days to review the rescissions before they take effect. The administration has not indicated whether it will provide additional justification for the cuts beyond the stated reduction in border crossings.