The Trump Administration is preparing a package of draconian cuts that would claw back more than $9B that would cripple agencies that include, NPR, PBS, USAID, and the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP). These are among the federal agencies that Trump has long sought to cut. The proposal, known as a rescission package, would codify cuts identified by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump has already started to dismantle USAID and USIP saying these are woke agencies that are run by radical lunatics. Purportedly, the package will be ready to deliver to Congress on their return from Easter recess on April 28.
Inside the Cuts
So far, the efforts to eliminate USAID have been partially stalled due to several court actions. The agency aids communities worldwide impacted by conflicts, including helping with disease prevention efforts and other development efforts. Proponents argue that this an important agency that has established U.S. influence all around the world. Critics suggest it is a waste of government funds that could be better used elsewhere.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has long been a target of Trump and MAGA nation. They have long stated CPB, which oversees PBS and NPR programming is too liberal and too critical of Trump, as well as an unnecessary government expense.
USIP is a congressionally funded independent nonprofit that works to advance U.S. values in conflict resolution, ending wars and promoting good governance. Musk and his cohorts raided the agency on March 17, right after Trump had dismissed most of their Board of Directors. Most of its employees were also terminated, but they and several ousted board members have filed a suit claiming that the executive branch cannot shut down the agency or freeze their funding because it is not a federal agency and instead is directly funded by Congress.
Trump wants to dismantle the agency because the conservative Heritage Foundation criticized USIP last year for favoring Democratic-leaning appointments.
What’s Next
After the Trump Administration delivers the package of proposed cuts to Congress, this triggers a 45-day period during which the administration can withhold funding from these agencies. If Congress votes down the plan or does nothing, the administration is the obligated to return the money back to the intended recipients. The Senate can approve the measure with 50 votes rather than the usual 60. Congress can also amend the package, including removing cuts it doesn’t favor.
The White House will submit the proposal under the Impoundment Control Act — a 1974 law that Trump states is unconstitutional because it requires the president to spend congressionally approved money even if he disagrees with the intent of the appropriation. Presidents have only used the rescission procedure twice since 1979, including an effort by Trump in 2018 for a $15 billion spending cut package. That measure was shot down in the Senate.
