{
  "id": 9904389,
  "title": "Trump seeks to withhold US$800mil in Congress-approved funds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/trump-seeks-to-withhold-us-800mil-in-congress-approved-funds",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T03:31:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/09/26/trump-seeks-to-withhold-us-800mil-in-congress-approved-funds"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Donald Trump attempted on Friday to unilaterally withhold over US$800 million in funding for immigration, racial and educational initiatives that Congress had previously approved, according to the White House. This move, known as a pocket rescission, is a rare tactic that bypasses Congress' authority over the nation's spending. The White House cited concerns that these programs promote illegal immigration, exacerbate racial tensions and advocate alarmist environmental policies.\n\nSenator Susan Collins, who chairs the Senate appropriations committee, denounced the decision as \"illegal.\" She emphasized that this is the latest instance of the Office of Management and Budget attempting to undermine Congress' constitutional power to control the purse strings. The White House stated that these funds would be used to bolster programs supporting refugee aid, minority business development and overseas conservation efforts.\n\nThe Supreme Court recently ruled against blocking Trump from withholding $4.9 billion in foreign aid that Congress had also approved, while legal challenges continue.",
  "summary": "The White House says the US president is committed to cutting 'wasteful and harmful' spending by withholding funds for immigration, race and education.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Trump seeks to withhold $800 million in Congress-approved funds",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/trump-seeks-to-withhold-800-million-in-congress-approved-funds",
        "published": "2026-09-26T03:18:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Trump seeks to withhold US$800mil in Congress-approved funds",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/trump-seeks-to-withhold-us-800mil-in-congress-approved-funds-9909381",
        "published": "2026-09-26T03:31:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}