Trump seeks to cut $5bn in congressionally approved foreign aid
Al Jazeera2 days
Trump Uses 'Pocket Rescission' to Cut $4.9B in Foreign Aid
Above: A man sells sorghum on the street from an old USAID bag in Maban, South Sudan, on Aug. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Guy Peterson/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
This pocket rescission takes bold steps to cut unnecessary spending on programs that don't benefit American interests. The cuts target climate activism, gender programs and international bureaucracy that drain taxpayer dollars while providing little benefit to Americans. Using this legal authority demonstrates fiscal responsibility and commitment to putting America First rather than funding foreign priorities.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's decision to unilaterally cancel congressionally approved funding is an unlawful power grab that erodes the Constitution's checks and balances, particularly Congress' authority over federal spending. This maneuver undermines the bipartisan cooperation necessary to avert a government shutdown and sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents to circumvent legislative oversight on budget decisions.