Watchdog says President Trump can’t cancel more than $800M in spending approved by Congress
- Posted on September 29, 2026
- By Chicago Tribune
- 2 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
The Government Accountability Office has ruled that President Trump lacks the legal authority to freeze federal spending beyond the current fiscal year's deadline if Congress has already appropriated those funds. This restriction limits executive discretion over approximately $800 million in budgeted expenditures, highlighting the constitutional constraints on presidential power regarding congressionally-approved budget items and fiscal oversight.
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Watchdog says President Trump can’t cancel more than $800M in spending approved by Congress
President Donald Trump is not permitted to withhold beyond the end of the fiscal year ending Wednesday more than $800 million in spending approved by Congress, according to a review from the Government Accountability Office.
