White House halts $3 trillion spending, Democrats cry foul
The White House has ordered a halt to federal spending, media reports say. The decision affects grants, loans, and other financial commitments. The impact may involve spending in the trillions of dollars, and according to Democrats, it is illegal.
Matthew J. Vaeth, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) at the White House, ordered the halt to federal spending. This potentially affects transfers to state governments, federal social programs, support for small businesses, disaster relief, subsidies for farmers, and research grants. The amount involved is $3 trillion.
This decision aims to review programs 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 criticized 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 Senate Democratic leader 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 Center.
The decision to halt aid previously caused confusion
Earlier decisions to halt U.S. foreign aid, which suspended support programs for Ukraine, military aid to Taiwan, and AIDS programs 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.
