By Peninah Mbula| The Common Pulse/latest news/Mexico/US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025.
President Donald Trump has faced criticism for directing federal funds toward initiatives that align with his personal and political interests, often bypassing traditional legislative processes. From reallocating military budgets to implementing controversial policies, these actions have sparked debates about fiscal responsibility and governance.
Redirecting Military Funds for Border Wall Construction
In 2019, President Trump declared a national emergency to secure funding for a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. This move allowed the administration to divert approximately $3.6 billion from military construction projects to wall construction, despite Congress's refusal to allocate the requested funds. Critics argue that this reallocation undermines congressional authority and prioritizes political objectives over national security needs.
Using Executive Orders to Influence Federal Spending
President Trump has issued several executive orders that directly impact federal spending and agency operations. For instance, Executive Order 14290, signed in May 2025, directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease all funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), alleging biased news coverage. This move has been criticized as an attempt to control media narratives and limit access to diverse information sources.
Withholding Foreign Aid to Advance Political Agendas
The Trump administration has threatened to withhold foreign aid from countries and organizations that do not align with its political or ideological views. In 2025, reports emerged that the administration planned to expand the "Mexico City policy," potentially cutting U.S. funding to foreign governments, NGOs, and international bodies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or "gender ideology." Critics argue that this approach undermines global health initiatives and imposes U.S. political values on sovereign nations.
Impounding Funds to Influence State and Local Policies
The administration has also employed the tactic of impounding funds delaying or withholding congressionally approved spending to influence state and local policies. This practice has been used to pressure states into adopting certain policies or to punish them for opposing federal initiatives. Legal experts contend that such actions violate the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which limits the president's ability to withhold funds appropriated by Congress.
Campaign Funds Used for Personal Legal Expenses
In a controversial move, President Trump has utilized campaign funds to cover personal legal expenses. This practice exploits loopholes in campaign finance laws and raises ethical concerns about the use of donor money for personal gain. Critics argue that this undermines public trust in the political system and calls for stricter regulations on campaign finance.
The Broader Implications of These Actions
These actions reflect a broader strategy to consolidate executive power and bypass traditional checks and balances. By directing federal funds toward personal and political objectives, the administration has faced scrutiny over its commitment to democratic principles and fiscal responsibility. As these practices continue, they raise important questions about the balance of power and the role of government in serving the public interest.
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