Trump Signs Rescissions Act, Cutting Funds for USAID, NPR, PBS, and NEA

President Trump signed the Rescissions Act on July 18, 2025, rescinding previously appropriated but unspent funding for USAID, NPR, PBS, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The 1974 Impoundment Control Act authorizes the president to rescind appropriated funds with congressional approval within 45 days; Vice President Vance had cast two tiebreaking votes to advance the legislation. First Amendment challenges to the defunding of public broadcasting were pending in federal court at the time of signing.