Presidential Power Unleashed: A $4 Billion
Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power
The Supreme Court upheld former President Donald Trump’s use of a “pocket rescission” to freeze $4 billion in foreign aid,
allowing the president to cancel funds if Congress doesn’t act before the fiscal year ends.
In a 6–3 decision, the Court overturned a lower ruling, expanding executive authority.
The majority argued that restricting presidential discretion could hinder foreign policy,
saying flexibility “is essential for maintaining diplomatic and security interests.”
Dissenting justices warned the ruling “undermines Congress’s constitutional control over federal spending,”
threatening the checks and balances system.
The case challenges the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, enacted after Nixon tried to withhold funds.
Supporters celebrated it as restoring presidential strength,
while critics warned it sets a precedent for an increasingly dominant executive branch.
The decision could reshape the tug-of-war between Congress and the presidency,
redefining “who ultimately controls the nation’s purse strings.”
