President Donald Trump is pushing for a significant shift in his authority to control federal spending and regulation, setting up a potential showdown with Congress over the limits of his power. The White House has been quietly exploring ways to revive an obscure law that allows presidents to unilaterally cancel funds, sparking concerns among lawmakers about the potential for executive overreach.
Trump’s actions have already triggered several court battles and significant pushback from Democrats, who argue that he is circumventing the congressional budget process. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer has led a boycott of Trump’s nominee for OMB director, Russell Vought, until he provides more answers about his views on impoundment.
The White House argues that Trump needs this authority to address “regulatory misalignment” and eliminate wasteful spending. However, many Republicans have expressed private concerns about the president’s claims to greater power over spending, despite publicly supporting the move.
State attorneys general and left-leaning groups are also taking action, with roughly two dozen state attorneys general asking a judge in Rhode Island to prevent the White House from freezing federal programs. Democracy Forward, a left-leaning group, is pressing ahead with its case against Trump’s administration.
The debate over impoundment has been building since Trump’s first term, when Vought and other officials argued that existing law limits the president’s ability to spend appropriations effectively. The issue has garnered significant attention in recent weeks, with many lawmakers weighing in on both sides of the argument.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear whether Trump will succeed in his push for more authority over federal spending. One thing is certain, however: this move has set up a contentious battle between the White House and Congress over the limits of presidential power.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/30/trump-impoundment-spending-control