Article I gives only Congress the power to appropriate money—can the president refuse to spend funds Congress approved?

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No. The Impoundment Control Act (1974) requires presidents to spend appropriated funds unless Congress agrees to rescind them. Nixon withheld billions to defy Democratic priorities; the Supreme Court in Train v. City of New York (1975) ruled impoundment violated Congress's appropriations power. Trump allies have urged him to ignore the ICA and assert impoundment authority to defund the EPA, IRS enforcement, or foreign aid. Legal scholars warn this would trigger a constitutional crisis and lawsuits.

Article I gives only Congress the power to appropriate money—can the president refuse to spend funds Congress approved?

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