President Donald Trump plans to cancel nearly $5 billion in previously approved foreign aid using a controversial tactic known as "pocket rescission," a maneuver not seen since the Carter administration in 1977.
This unprecedented action has ignited fierce debate over its legality, as many lawmakers, including Republican Senator Susan Collins, argue it undermines Congress's constitutional power over budget decisions.
With a looming government funding deadline, Trump's decision intensifies pressures on Congress, complicating bipartisan negotiations and raising the specter of a potential government shutdown.
Critics from both parties assert that this move represents a dangerous overreach of executive authority, setting a precedent that could reshape the balance of power in American governance.
The swift 45-day response window for Congress to act on the rescissions may leave vital programs unfunded, raising alarm about the implications for those reliant on foreign aid support.
As this political drama unfolds, discussions about governance and democracy dominate the narrative, with growing concerns about the impact of such executive maneuvers on the democratic fabric of the nation.