FiveThirtyEight Politics Trump’s Federal Funding Fiasco
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Jan 30, 2025 Matt Glassman, a Senior Fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, dives into the Trump administration's recent funding controversy. He discusses the implications of a memo impacting DEI programs and the legal battles surrounding federal funding. The conversation illuminates the intricacies of presidential impoundment power, examining historical context and constitutional concerns. Glassman also highlights the ongoing tensions between executive orders and congressional authority, reflecting on the delicate balance needed for effective governance.
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Impoundment: A Historical Power Struggle
- Presidential impoundment, where the executive withholds Congressionally approved funds, is a contentious issue.
- This power struggle over the "power of the purse" goes back centuries, impacting the balance between executive and legislative branches.
Arguments for Impoundment
- Proponents of presidential impoundment argue for cost savings and executive discretion, citing historical examples.
- They claim that if Congress over-appropriates, the president should be able to return excess funds.
Trump's Memo: A Contradictory Approach
- Trump's memo skirts the impoundment issue by including contradictory language.
- It directs agencies to pause spending but simultaneously instructs them to adhere to existing law, creating confusion.