In a move highlighting his fiscal priorities, President Donald Trump has executed a historic pocket rescission, canceling $4.9 billion in federal spending linked to foreign aid and international programs. The action, authorized under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 683(a)), targets initiatives deemed wasteful or contrary to America First principles.

The rescissions affect funding for the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and international assistance programs. Key allocations include:
– $3.2 billion for USAID’s Development Assistance (DA) account, criticized for supporting “woke” initiatives such as climate change projects, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and non-essential training programs in countries like Zimbabwe.
– $322 million for the Democracy Fund, which funds activities like “gender responsive governance” and LGBTQ+ advocacy abroad.
– $521 million for Contributions to International Organizations (CIO), including U.S. assessments to the United Nations (UN) and UN-affiliated entities.
– $393 million for Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA), targeting the U.S. share of UN peacekeeping missions criticized as inefficient or harmful.
– $445 million for IAP – Peacekeeping Operations, including projects like hybrid energy initiatives in Nepal and South Sudan.

The White House emphasized that this marks the first use of a pocket rescission in over 50 years, framing it as a corrective measure against “weaponized” spending. The administration argues the cuts align with its commitment to redirecting funds toward U.S. priorities while ending what it describes as “wasteful” and ideologically driven international programs.

The rescission notice was formally submitted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who stated the measures aim to address fiscal responsibility and national security interests.