In a controversial move that’s sending shockwaves through Washington, the Trump administration has announced plans to slash a staggering $5 billion in foreign aid that Congress had previously allocated. This unprecedented decision threatens ongoing international programs and peacekeeping efforts.

The mechanism at play is a rarely used tactic known as a "pocket rescission." This allows the president to request a rollback of approved funds so late in the fiscal year that, if Congress remains inactive, the funds will simply lapse.

This fiscal maneuver, last employed nearly half a century ago, aims to cut funding for critical programs—including over $3 billion earmarked for USAID and $900 million targeted for the State Department.

Among the coveted funds facing the axe are $800 million intended for international peacekeeping operations and over $300 million aimed at promoting democratic values across the globe. The White House claimed this move reflects the administration's commitment to curb what it describes as "woke, weaponized, and wasteful" government spending.

Trump is invoking the Impoundment Control Act, which grants the executive branch authority to request the cancellation of already-approved funds. However, by pushing this request close to the end of the fiscal year, any budget they can’t approve would simply go unspent.

Legal analysts express concerns that this approach violates Congress’ constitutional power over financial appropriations. Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, stated firmly that the Constitution clearly designates Congress as the steward of the budgetary process, emphasizing that attempts to claw back funds without legislative approval breaches the law.

Critics, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, warn that this could disrupt normal congressional procedures and potentially lead to a "painful and entirely unnecessary government shutdown." When asked about this unusual decision, Schumer said, "We must adhere to proper legislative processes; anything less is reckless."

Interestingly, the last president to utilize a pocket rescission was Jimmy Carter back in 1977. Since returning to office, Trump has consistently targeted foreign aid, often criticizing the spending of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as unjustified and excessive.