White House halt on federal spending sparks legal battle
The White House has ordered a suspension of federal spending, according to media reports. This decision affects grants, loans, and other financial activities. The amount involved could be in the trillions of dollars, and according to Democrats, it is illegal.
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) at the White House, Matthew J. Vaeth, ordered the halt to federal spending. This could impact transfers to state governments, federal social programmes, support for small businesses, disaster relief, subsidies for farmers, and research grants. The total amount being discussed is $3 trillion.
This decision aims to review programmes for alignment with the President's priorities, including eliminating projects related to equality and inclusivity.
Congress approved these investments and they are not optional
Democrats sharply criticised this move, questioning its legality. – Donald Trump must direct his Administration to reverse course immediately and the taxpayers’ money should be distributed to the people. Congress approved these investments and they are not optional; they are the law – declared the Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer.
He also added that this decision "will mean missed payrolls and rent payments and everything in between: chaos for everything from universities to non-profit charities. These grants help people in red states and blue states, support families, help parents raise kids, and lead to stronger communities."
Experts cited by the "Washington Post" believe that the temporary halt on spending approved by Congress is likely legal but raises concerns about attempts by the White House to usurp Congress's main powers.
– I worry this is an effort to hold back on not implementing the law of the land as it relates to the budget process – said G. William Hoagland, vice president of the Bipartisan Policy Centre.
The decision to halt aid previously caused confusion
Earlier decisions to halt U.S. foreign aid, which suspended support programmes for Ukraine, military aid to Taiwan, and AIDS programmes caused similar confusion.
Russell Vought, nominated by Trump as the new OMB director, is an advocate of the theory that the executive branch is not required to execute expenditures mandated by Congress.
