Trump Requests Clawback of $9.5 Billion in Funds for Foreign Aid, NPR and PBS

The White House has asked Congress to claw back $9.4 billion in federal funds that were set aside for spending on items that the Trump administration deems wasteful or unnecessary – most notably among them foreign aid and public broadcasting.

The proposal, known as a “rescission” package, was compiled by the Office of Management and Budget and submitted Tuesday. It essentially asks lawmakers to sign off on massive cuts to federal spending prompted by Tesla billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The request lists 22 programs that were recommended for cuts either in executive orders or by DOGE – including foreign aid spending and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service.

The development comes after months in which the Trump administration has looked to redefine the congressional power of the purse in a battle for more direct control of federal spending. But the latest move marks the first time this year that the administration is going the route of asking lawmakers to reclaim funding.

Congress now has 45 days to act on the package or the request dies. The House has already begun examining the package, and Speaker Mike Johnson said he is eyeing a vote for next week.