POLITICS

Republicans bristle at Trump’s latest tactics to undermine Congress’ funding power

PUBLISHED Aug 21, 2026, 10:53 AM ET

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A power struggle is intensifying between Republican lawmakers and the White House over control of federal spending, as President Donald Trump employs legally questionable tactics to bypass Congress's constitutional authority over the budget . The administration has used a maneuver known as a "pocket rescission" to unilaterally cancel funding, with White House budget director Russ Vought having canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid last year through this method . GOP senators recently agreed to a bill blocking a rule allowing political appointees to steer grants toward the president's agenda, though the House has yet to clear it . Lawmakers have also criticized Vought for delaying congressionally approved funds for antipoverty services and foreign assistance . "Congress has appropriated money, and you don't have the authority to impound it," Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) stated . Some Republicans resist the administration's push to enact military funding through reconciliation, which would bypass the Senate filibuster and diminish appropriators' power . Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized the White House for lacking consultation: "When you start issuing grants based on political connections, that's not good for the system here" .

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On Aug 20, 2026, GOP senators agree to bill blocking political appointees from steering grants .
· On Aug 17, 2026, CLC and CREW file Supreme Court brief opposing Trump East Wing ballroom project .
· On Jun 16, 2026, Senate Republicans block Rosen's attempt to redirect Trump slush fund to SNAP and Medicaid .
· On Jun 2, 2026, NYT reports GOP begins testing limits of Trump's power by flexing their own .
· In Spring 2026, Sen. Chuck Grassley publicly chastises Vought for withholding hundreds of millions in appropriations .
· In Aug 2025, Trump uses pocket rescission to unilaterally cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid .
· Republicans vote to approve Trump's request to rescind $9 billion for public media and foreign assistance .
· White House expected to sign government funding bill to avert shutdown before midterms .
· Republicans watch for clues whether Vought will claim authority to nix appropriations before Sept 30 .
· Future funding battles likely as administration continues pushing boundaries of executive spending authority

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Constitutional crisis brewing over separation of powers and spending control.
Long-term US impact: Executive power expansion threatens Congress's constitutional authority over federal budget.
Affected groups: Republican appropriators, federal agencies, grant recipients, and military program beneficiaries.
Readers should prioritise: Follow court rulings and congressional action on executive spending authority.