President Donald Trump has taken a rare and contentious step by unilaterally moving to cancel $4.9 billion in federal funding authorized by Congress.

The funds targeted are allocated for 15 international programs, including some managed by the State Department and USAID.

The big picture: Trump communicated his decision in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, posted publicly late Thursday. • The U.S. Constitution assigns funding authority explicitly to Congress, which yearly enacts laws to finance government operations. • According to established procedure, the White House must gain Congressional approval to withhold or cancel authorized expenditures.

Go deeper: In contrast, Trump’s budget director, Russell Vought, contends the president can withhold funds up to 45 days without Co

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