Trump administration withholding $436.87 billion in approved spending, top Democrats say

Democratic leaders in the U.S. Congress revealed that the Trump administration has currently held back around $436.87 billion of approved funding. This frozen money covers various government agencies, including over $42 billion for the State Department and more than $62 billion in grant funding for the Transportation Department. The Democrats highlighted frozen funds for programs like Head Start and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Senator Patty Murray and Representative Rosa DeLauro criticized President Trump’s handling of spending laws, accusing him of neglecting the American people’s investments. The administration’s actions have been challenged, with lawmakers arguing that Congress has oversight over spending, as stated in the U.S. Constitution.

The administration’s reasons for withholding funds include Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and opposition to diversity initiatives. Despite calls from Republican lawmakers, the administration has not proposed any spending cuts for approval by Congress.