A Rare Budget Move Helped Trump Cancel Half a Billion Dollars Benefiting Immigrants
28th September 2026
The White House returned over half a billion dollars previously appropriated by Congress for programs serving illegal immigrants. While conservatives praised the return of federal funds, the rare action by President Donald Trump has lawmakers scrambling, with some members calling it an illegal check on Congress’ power of the purse.
On Friday, the White House Office of Management and Budget returned $810 million of taxpayer funds appropriated by Congress that were soon to expire on Sept. 30. The move, known as a pocket rescission, is a rare check on legislative power provided by the Impoundment Control Act.
The good guys win one for a change.