US President Donald Trump has revoked $4.9 billion (€4.2 billion) of congressionally approved international aid funds, the White House stated on Friday, announcing that the president will “put AMERICA FIRST!”
Trump informed House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson in a letter that funds for 15 international programs would be withheld.
Democratic Party lawmakers opposed to the cut in foreign aid stated that Trump’s decision increases the likelihood of a federal shutdown later in the year.
Trump bypassed Congress using a “pocket rescission,” a little-known procedure not used in nearly 50 years. This fiscal year ends on September 30. Many Democrats and some moderate Republican politicians have objected to this maneuver.
Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who oversees spending legislation as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, referred to Trump’s move as unlawful.
Democrats have responded adversely to the announcement, stating that attempts to reverse funding that has previously been approved by Congress would hinder negotiations within the legislative body later in the year.
Since taking office, Trump has been trying to shut down USAID, the world’s largest humanitarian aid agency. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cut 85% of its projects. The majority of the latest cuts will hit USAID funding, with a large portion of funds set aside for peacekeeping missions subject to Trump’s current order.
This is going to make our budget situation more challenging, according to United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/trump-cuts-billions-more-in-approved-us-foreign-aid/a-73817138?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
