Story perspectives

Trump Administration Freezes $28 Billion to Pressure Democrats

10/17/2025

Center

Trump Cuts Funding

The Trump administration has frozen or canceled nearly $28 billion in federal funding to pressure Democrats to end the government shutdown.
The cuts target Democratic-led states such as Rhode Island, Maryland, Illinois, California, and New York, affecting clean energy and infrastructure projects.
Critics say the move abuses executive power.
The administration has threatened further cuts.

Right

Trump Terminates Funding

President Trump terminated funding for the Gateway Tunnel project, drawing bipartisan criticism.
New Jersey Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli disagreed, stressing the project’s importance for the state.
Democratic leaders, including U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, condemned the move as harmful to jobs and the economy.
Experts say Trump may lack authority to cancel appropriated funds but could halt disbursements without congressional intervention.

History

Historical Context

The Line Item Veto Act of 1996, signed by President Bill Clinton, allowed the president to nullify specific budget provisions to curb wasteful spending. However, it faced immediate legal challenges, culminating in the Supreme Court's 1998 ruling that declared it unconstitutional. This ongoing struggle over executive power and legislative control continues to influence budgetary debates, particularly under the Trump administration's funding cuts affecting states like California and New York.

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Trump Cuts Funding

The Trump administration has frozen or canceled nearly $28 billion in federal funding to pressure Democrats to end the government shutdown.
The cuts target Democratic-led states such as Rhode Island, Maryland, Illinois, California, and New York, affecting clean energy and infrastructure projects.
Critics say the move abuses executive power.
The administration has threatened further cuts.

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