The Trump White House is asking Congress to take back $9.4 billion in already approved spending, with a plan led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency targeting programs deemed wasteful or ideological.
Key Facts:
- The Trump administration submitted a $9.4 billion rescissions request to Congress on Tuesday.
- Programs targeted include foreign aid, NPR, PBS, and various international health initiatives.
- The proposal reflects findings from the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.
- White House officials say more rescission packages may follow if Congress cooperates.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson and the House Freedom Caucus support the cuts and promise quick action.
The Rest of The Story:
The Trump administration’s rescissions request asks Congress to reverse $9.4 billion in previously approved funding.
This is part of a broader effort led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to trim what the administration considers unnecessary or ideologically driven spending.
Key targets include over $8 billion from the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development, along with cuts to NPR, PBS, and global health initiatives like PEPFAR.
Specific line items include $750,000 to reduce xenophobia in Venezuela and $67,000 to test insect powder meals in Madagascar.
Budget director Russ Vought said more rescission packages could follow, and hinted at the possibility of allowing unspent funds to expire at the end of the fiscal year if Congress fails to act.
OMB Director @russvought on the first rescissions package: "We are intending to be strategic, work with Congress, see what they're willing to do, and if they pass this, we'll send up many more." pic.twitter.com/XhUK4RVXg0
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 3, 2025
Commentary:
This rescissions request is a meaningful step in restoring fiscal responsibility, even if the dollar amount is relatively small.
It’s about setting a precedent.
The Trump administration is making clear that federal departments should not feel compelled to spend every dollar out of fear they’ll lose future funding.
That mindset has long driven wasteful government behavior.
Much of the federal budget operates under the flawed idea that returning unspent funds is a failure.
That culture has to change.
The President should have the discretion to decline spending when it no longer fits the nation’s current policy objectives or serves taxpayers well.
DOGE’s work is especially valuable because it’s exposing how billions are allocated to programs that sound noble but have questionable value.
Whether it’s insect-based meals abroad or foreign media subsidies, these programs should face tough scrutiny.
Congress should approve these rescissions.
Though the package only impacts 0.1% of annual spending, it sets an important example.
It shows that the executive branch is willing to rein in spending—and that Congress must do its part to support that effort.
Critics argue that bypassing Congress to delay or cancel funds may violate the Impoundment Control Act, but the administration has stated it’s working within its constitutional authority.
Ultimately, this is a necessary conflict.
Government branches should push back on each other when it serves the nation’s long-term interests.
If America is serious about controlling spending, every dollar counts.
A rescission package today lays the groundwork for a more disciplined budget process tomorrow.
The Bottom Line:
The Trump administration’s push to rescind $9.4 billion is a modest but symbolic step toward permanent budget restraint.
With support from GOP lawmakers, the proposal challenges the status quo of spend-it-or-lose-it budgeting.
The plan faces legal and political hurdles, but it signals a growing focus on cutting waste.
Whether this becomes the new norm depends on whether Congress supports the president’s authority to spend less than appropriated.
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