Senate Republicans are challenging President Trump’s decision to cancel $5 billion in foreign aid through a rare “pocket rescission,” exposing deep divisions in the party and raising alarms about constitutional limits on executive power.
Story Highlights
- Trump’s unilateral rescission of $5 billion in foreign aid faces fierce pushback from Senate Republicans.
- GOP appropriators warn the move could undermine Congressional authority and spark a government shutdown.
- Bipartisan opposition grows as legal experts question the constitutionality of bypassing Congress on spending.
- The controversy jeopardizes critical spending negotiations ahead of the October 1 funding deadline.
Trump’s Pocket Rescission Sparks GOP Division
President Trump’s recent use of the rarely invoked “pocket rescission” to cancel nearly $5 billion in previously approved foreign aid has created a firestorm in Washington. Instead of seeking Congressional approval as tradition and law typically require, Trump acted unilaterally, targeting funds meant for USAID, the State Department, and international development programs. This approach has not only alarmed Senate Democrats but also triggered sharp criticism from senior Republicans, who see the move as an overreach of executive authority and a threat to the legislative branch’s constitutional power of the purse.
Senate Republicans returned from their summer recess to find themselves unexpectedly at odds with President Trump. Lawmakers such as Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska openly questioned the legality of the rescission, with Murkowski labeling it “unlawful” and Rounds warning it could destroy bipartisan cooperation. Senator Susan Collins went even further, describing the action as a “clear violation of the law,” and emphasized that such a move would only embolden Democrats to resist working together on must-pass appropriations bills.
Bipartisan Concerns About Constitutional Authority
At the heart of the dispute is a fundamental constitutional question: Who controls federal spending? The rescission process, by law, allows the president to propose canceling funds, but only Congress can finalize such actions. Trump’s “pocket rescission” bypasses this check, raising alarms about the separation of powers. Senior appropriators from both parties, including Senator Dick Durbin, have sounded the alarm, urging Congress to unite in defense of its constitutional authority. Legal experts agree that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the ultimate power over federal spending, casting doubt on the legality and future viability of the maneuver.
This rare use of the pocket rescission comes at a perilous time. With the government’s funding deadline looming on October 1, bipartisan negotiations are already fragile. Disrupting these talks with an unexpected executive action risks derailing the appropriations process, heightening the risk of a government shutdown. Such a shutdown would not only disrupt federal agencies and contractors but could undermine America’s commitments abroad and further erode trust in Washington’s ability to govern responsibly.
Immediate and Long-Term Implications for Conservative Values
For conservatives, the issue goes beyond mere procedural squabbles. At stake are the very principles of limited government, constitutional checks and balances, and fiscal responsibility. While reducing wasteful foreign aid aligns with conservative priorities, undermining Congressional authority sets a dangerous precedent. Critics warn that if a president—of any party—can cancel spending on a whim, the door opens for future executive overreach, threatening gun rights, religious liberty, and other core constitutional protections. The growing bipartisan opposition suggests that this attempt to cut spending, though well-intentioned, may ultimately backfire by weakening the very system designed to keep government in check.
Senate Republicans Splitting With Trump Over $5B Rescission #Senate #Republicans #Senaterepublicans #SenateDemocrats #DonaldTrumphttps://t.co/lGgzid261i
— Philip Graves (@PGraves72955) September 3, 2025
The situation remains volatile as appropriations leaders scramble to salvage bipartisan talks before the October deadline. The controversy has not only exposed rifts within the Republican Party but also presented an opportunity for Congress to reaffirm its role as guardian of the public purse. As Americans watch this high-stakes battle unfold, the underlying question persists: Will principled conservatives defend the Constitution’s separation of powers, or will expediency in spending cuts take precedence?
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Senate Republicans Splitting With Trump Over $5B Rescission
Trump government shutdown: Senate Republicans split with Trump over $5 billion pocket rescission
