The White House announced Friday evening that it is moving to cancel more than $810 million in federal funds that had already been approved by Congress, according to multiple outlets. The action, described as a 'pocket rescission,' comes days before the end of the fiscal year.
Lawmakers from both parties criticized the move. NBC News reported that the White House called the funding 'bipartisan, congressionally approved' before announcing plans to cut it, and that the move drew objections from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
The maneuver, known as a pocket rescission, allows the executive branch to block previously appropriated funds by withholding them close to the end of the fiscal year, according to CNBC and The Washington Times. Critics, including some lawmakers cited by NBC News, called the move 'unlawful.'
The funds affected span a range of government programs, according to ABC News, though the specific programs were not detailed across the supplied reports.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reported that lawmakers from both parties criticized the funding cut.
- NBC News noted the funds were described as 'bipartisan, congressionally approved.'
- Some coverage quoted lawmakers calling the move 'unlawful.'
“Lawmakers slam Trump’s ‘unlawful’ move to cut $810 million in federal funds” — NBC News
Center
- Emphasized the term 'pocket rescission' and its use just before the fiscal year ends.
- Noted the move drew objections but focused less on partisan reaction than left-leaning outlets.
“White House moves to block $810 million in funding through pocket rescission” — CNBC
Right
- Focused on the procedural nature of the maneuver, describing it as the White House working around Congress.
“White House maneuvers around Congress to cut $810 million with ‘pocket rescission’” — The Washington Times
Questions readers ask
What did the White House do?
The White House announced Friday it is moving to rescind more than $810 million in federal funds that Congress had already approved, using a maneuver known as a 'pocket rescission,' according to multiple outlets.
Why are lawmakers upset?
Lawmakers from both parties objected because the funds had been approved by Congress on a bipartisan basis, and some called the move 'unlawful,' according to NBC News.
What is a 'pocket rescission'?
It is a maneuver that allows the executive branch to block previously appropriated funds by withholding them near the end of the fiscal year, as described by CNBC and The Washington Times.
How did coverage differ across the political spectrum?
Left-leaning and center outlets emphasized lawmakers' criticism and the bipartisan nature of the original funding, while right-leaning coverage focused on the procedural mechanism the White House used to bypass Congress.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- ABC NewsLeft-leaningWhite House orders over $800M in funds rescinded
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningLawmakers slam Trump’s ‘unlawful’ move to cut $810 million in federal funds
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningLawmakers slam Trump’s move to cancel $810M in funding approved by Congress
- CNBCCenterWhite House moves to block $810 million in funding through pocket rescission
- The Wall Street JournalCenterTrump Angers Lawmakers With $810 Million in Cuts
- The Washington TimesRight-leaningWhite House maneuvers around Congress to cut $810 million with ‘pocket rescission’