Trump Administration Withholds Billions in Congressionally Approved Funding

The Trump administration is utilizing the White House Office of Management and Budget to withhold billions of dollars from programs approved by Congress, including low-income housing, education assistance, and medical research. Documents released following a federal appeals court order show that OMB Director Russell Vought is requiring agencies to submit spending plans that align with executive actions—specifically the avoidance of diversity programs—before funds are released.

Opponents and legal experts argue these restrictions violate the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, which prohibits the executive branch from refusing to spend funds appropriated by the legislature. Senator Patty Murray has accused the administration of secretly and illegally usurping legislative authority to centralize spending power within the executive branch.

Russell Vought has defended the practice, testifying that he believes the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Mark Paoletta, General Counsel of the OMB, has challenged claims that the administration is improperly blocking the release of these funds.