The stage is set for a constitutional battle between President Donald Trump and a federal watchdog over the extent of presidential authority on spending, as Trump seeks to make sweeping federal spending and personnel cuts.
Trump and administration officials want to reduce existing restrictions on the president’s impoundment power, which allows a president to decline to spend money appropriated by Congress.
According to Trump, the Impoundment Control Act of 1974—which requires the president to seek permission to rescind, or officially end, funding—violates the Constitution and the separation of powers.
Specifically, Trump argues that the chief executive has broad authority to interpret and make decisions about congressionally mandated spending—including the decision not to disburse funding....
