Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised alarm over what she describes as an unlawful attempt by President Donald Trump to cancel billions in government funding without congressional approval.

In remarks before colleagues, Warren explained the concept of a “pocket rescission.” Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is responsible for appropriating taxpayer dollars and determining how funds are allocated. After a lengthy negotiation process to pass a budget, she said, Trump has been attempting to bypass that authority by erasing nearly $5 billion in funding already approved.

According to Warren, the funds in question include aid aimed at preventing hunger and disease worldwide. She warned that if such a maneuver were allowed to stand, other vital programs could be at risk in the future — ranging from the Department of Education to local hospitals.

Warren characterized the move as an “authoritarian power grab” that undermines both the rule of law and the democratic system of checks and balances. “Trump is not a king,” she said, arguing that the president cannot unilaterally override congressional authority over spending.

The senator emphasized that the issue is not just procedural but one that could have direct consequences for everyday Americans and vulnerable populations abroad. Programs designed to support public health, food security, and basic services depend on consistent funding streams, she noted, and sudden cancellations jeopardize that stability.

Warren pledged that lawmakers will push back against what she views as an illegal action. “We’re going to stop him,” she concluded, underscoring Congress’s constitutional duty to safeguard its power of the purse.

Her remarks reflect broader debates in Washington over executive power and fiscal responsibility, highlighting ongoing tensions between the White House and Congress about who controls the nation’s spending priorities.

Source: Senator Elizabeth Warren