White House Seeks Congress Approval for $9.4B DOGE Cuts Amid Legal Challenges

The Trump administration is advancing efforts to formalize budget cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, through proposed rescissions sent to Congress to cancel previously approved funding. Despite a lawsuit from 14 states challenging Musk's authority and DOGE's actions as unconstitutional, a federal judge allowed the claims to proceed but dismissed President Trump as a defendant. House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced plans to codify the DOGE cuts into law via the appropriations process and a rescissions package, responding to conservative criticism over delays. Musk has publicly criticized spending bills that increase the deficit, warning they undermine DOGE’s work. However, the White House's move to send rescissions to Congress raises constitutional questions, as appropriations powers traditionally belong to Congress, not the executive branch. Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, are pushing legislation to codify DOGE cuts, highlighting ongoing political debates over government downsizing and fiscal policy under the Trump administration.