Trump’s Plan to Cut Foreign Aid Sparks Tension in the Senate Before Budget Clash

Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Complicate Senate Spending Talks

Democrats Signal Unity, Republicans Face Pressure

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stressed that Democrats remain unified around advancing spending bills. However, he warned Republicans could face a major test — either work with Democrats to keep the government funded or risk a shutdown.

At the center of the standoff is President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid, a move that has unsettled Democrats and left Republicans divided as the Sept. 30 government funding deadline looms.

Democrats Draw a Red Line

Democrats had previously cautioned that further attempts to strip funding already approved by Congress would be unacceptable. They signaled that such efforts could jeopardize bipartisan support for a continuing resolution (CR), a short-term measure often used to prevent shutdowns.

The administration’s use of a “pocket rescission” — sidestepping the typical 45-day review period required for clawback measures — has only deepened tensions.

GOP Divisions Over the Strategy

Some Republicans are wary of Trump’s approach. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said the move complicates efforts to keep appropriations on track. He argued that Congress should reclaim its authority by passing spending bills instead of relying on repeated CRs.

Others, like Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), defended the clawback, saying he supports any measure that reduces government spending, regardless of the method.

Thune and Appropriators Seek Middle Ground

Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged that bipartisan cooperation will be necessary to pass funding measures, particularly with some Republicans consistently opposing CRs. While he committed to advancing the dozen appropriations bills, he admitted a short-term CR is likely unavoidable.

Thune also warned that Democrats might seize on the foreign aid cuts as a reason to resist compromise. Still, he insisted Republicans like himself and Sen. Susan Collins are committed to constructive negotiations.

Legal and Procedural Concerns

Some in the GOP questioned whether clawbacks are the right tool. Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Appropriations Committee, criticized the administration’s maneuver, arguing that reclaiming funds without congressional approval violates the law.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) raised fewer legal objections but doubted the efficiency of clawbacks, saying the appropriations process itself was a more effective way to manage spending reductions.

The Road Ahead

As both chambers edge closer to the funding deadline, lawmakers must decide whether to find bipartisan solutions or risk another shutdown showdown. For Democrats, Trump’s latest clawback is proof that Republicans are undermining the budget process. For Republicans, the debate is over strategy — whether to pursue cuts through clawbacks or regular appropriations.