Fact Check: "The Trump administration bypassed Congress’ budgetary actions by eliminating foreign aid."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump administration bypassed Congress in budgetary actions, particularly regarding foreign aid, is rooted in several documented instances of executive actions and legislative proposals. Notably, the Trump administration attempted to freeze and cut foreign aid through executive orders and budget proposals, which were often met with resistance from Congress. For example, a fact sheet released by Senator Patty Murray highlighted that Trump signed executive orders directing agencies to withhold funding that had been appropriated by Congress, which she argued was illegal and unconstitutional (source-1).
Additionally, reports indicate that the administration sought to rescind $9.4 billion in previously approved spending, which included significant cuts to foreign aid programs (source-4). The Congressional Research Service noted that while the administration proposed drastic cuts to foreign aid, Congress often rejected these proposals (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence suggests that the Trump administration did attempt to exert control over foreign aid funding in ways that some lawmakers viewed as circumventing Congress. The executive orders to withhold funds, as described by Senator Murray, illustrate a clear conflict between the executive and legislative branches regarding budgetary authority. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 restricts the president's ability to unilaterally withhold funds appropriated by Congress, which is a central point of contention in this debate (source-1).
However, it is also important to note that the administration's requests for rescissions required Congressional approval. The attempt to rescind $9.4 billion in spending was formally submitted to Congress, indicating that while the administration sought to cut funding, it did not entirely bypass Congress, as these actions required legislative consent (source-4). This aspect complicates the claim, as it demonstrates that the administration was operating within a framework that still required Congressional involvement, albeit with contentious proposals.
The reliability of the sources varies; Senator Murray's fact sheet reflects a partisan perspective, emphasizing the illegality of Trump's actions, while news reports provide a more neutral account of the administration's proposals and Congressional responses (source-5, source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump administration bypassed Congress’ budgetary actions by eliminating foreign aid is Partially True. While the administration did attempt to withhold and cut foreign aid through executive actions that many lawmakers viewed as unconstitutional, it also engaged in a legislative process that required Congressional approval for rescissions. This duality indicates that while there were efforts to circumvent traditional budgetary processes, the administration did not completely disregard Congressional authority.
Sources
- FACT SHEET: Trump’s Illegal and Unconstitutional Scheme to Withhold Funding Headed to Communities Across America
- Selected Trump Administration Foreign Aid Priorities: A Wrap-Up
- US House passes Trump cuts of $9.4 billion for foreign aid
- Trump requests Congress to rescind $9.4B in spending
- U.S. Orders Freeze of Foreign Aid, Bypassing Congress
