Trump Decides Now Is Not The Time To Make Republicans Rubber Stamp His DOGE Power Grab—Maybe Later

Initially, there were reports that the Trump administration was contemplating sending a rescissions package to Congress, which would allow the legislature to approve some spending cuts that had already been put into effect. However, there were subsequent reports indicating that Trump might postpone this package for a few weeks while Republicans in the House and Senate concentrate on reducing Medicaid and advancing Trump’s fiscal priorities in a significant reconciliation bill.

Now, it appears that the delay might extend even further, possibly up to two years, as the White House shifts its focus towards launching a legal challenge against the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This act restricts a president’s ability to freeze or withhold funds that have already been allocated by Congress. If successful, challenging this act could render the rescissions package unnecessary.

According to Politico, the Trump administration is now considering a two-year timeline for the rescissions package, pushing back the date when they might try to push through portions of the DOGE cuts that Trump and Elon Musk have already implemented. Some Republicans are reportedly uneasy about this move, viewing it as constitutionally questionable. However, others like Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) seem supportive of the delay, albeit acknowledging its complexity.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is among the few Republicans who have publicly raised concerns about the constitutionality of the actions regarding DOGE cuts, maintaining that these cuts lack legality until approved by Congress.

Regarding the FBI news, the public corruption unit in the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith in investigating Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, has been closed. The unit, known as CR15, was involved in the initial investigation into Trump’s election subversion scheme.

Moreover, House Republicans on the Agriculture Committee have advanced legislation that includes significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in a party-line vote. The bill aims to establish a new cost-sharing system with states based on their payment error rates, potentially affecting millions of families and children.

House Democrats are launching an investigation into Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million private jet from Qatar, citing potential violations of the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) has requested a legal memo justifying the legality of Trump receiving the gift.

In addition, there are updates on other ongoing news stories, including the Trump administration’s acknowledgment of manipulating the court system, the status of birthright citizenship, and recent developments in higher education and federal fraud issues.