President Donald Trump has used rare executive powers to slash nearly $1 billion in Congress-approved funding aimed at immigrant services and diversity-focused initiatives. Trump's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) labelled the funding cut as focused on "the most harmful government spending." The White House, in a press release issued on Friday, September 25, noted that some of the organisations are led by individuals who worked in the Obama administration.
Most of the funding cuts target services for immigrants, including non-profits that serve refugees and unaccompanied minors accused of entering the country illegally. The Trump administration maintains that the funds are no longer necessary because illegal border crossings have fallen sharply.
Senator Susan Collins, who heads the Senate Appropriations Committee, has strongly condemned Trump's move. Collins issued a statement saying the action came without warning or consultation, adding that she would work with colleagues to address "these illegal actions."
"Not only is the delay itself an impoundment that was not reported to Congress, but also it is a usurpation of Congress's appropriations powers. OMB is an agency of the executive branch. It does not get to decide which programs are worth funding," Collins said. Congress retains the power to review the president's proposed spending cuts before they take effect. It remains to be seen how this review will be exercised, with only five days left in the federal fiscal year.