Legal battle over Trump's pocket rescission of $4.9B in foreign aid

President Donald Trump notified Congress at the end of August that he would cancel about 4.9 billion dollars in congressionally approved foreign aid using a so‑called pocket rescission, setting off a high‑stakes legal and political battle as lawmakers race toward the Sept. 30 fiscal year deadline. The administration said the funds were wasteful and inconsistent with its priorities, while critics argued the move violates federal law and undercuts lifesaving programs abroad.

The Office of Management and Budget posted on social media that the president "CANCELED 4.9 billion in America Last foreign aid using a pocket rescission." The administration said the cuts span multiple accounts, including roughly 3.2 billion designated for the U.S. Agency for International Development and about 1.7 billion for State Department programs that support international organizations, peacekeeping and development assistance. Officials contend the rescission is lawful in part because it was made within the final 45 days of the fiscal year, a window they say can render funds expired if Congress does not act.

Legal and institutional authorities disagree. The Government Accountability Office concluded in...