President Donald Trump sought on Friday, September 25, 2026, to unilaterally withhold more than $800 million in funding that Congress had previously approved. The funds were designated for spending on immigration, race, and education. The White House stated it is utilizing a technique known as a "pocket rescission" to bypass the legislative body and block the distribution of the money.
This action is the latest development in a dispute between the executive branch and Congress over the control of federal spending. While the Constitution grants Congress the "power of the purse" to determine how public money is spent, the administration argued that the specific programs in question were wasteful or harmful. The White House statement claimed the programs supported illegal immigration, stoked racial tensions, and promoted alarmist approaches to the environment.
The programs targeted include refugee assistance, racial-minority business development, and overseas conservation efforts. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, described the move as illegal and a violation of the law. She stated that the Office of Management and Budget was attempting to undermine the constitutional authority of Congress to manage appropriated funds.
The decision affects programs for refugee assistance, minority-owned business development, and international conservation projects. The Supreme Court last year declined to block the administration from using the same tactic to withhold $4.9 billion in foreign aid while litigation continued. This suggests that the current $800 million withholding could remain in place during a litigation process. Legal challenges are expected, but the funds will remain withheld unless a court intervenes or the administration reverses its position. As of September 25, 2026, no specific court dates or deadlines for the restoration of the funds have been reported.