President Donald Trump made several policy announcements this week, revoking nearly $5 billion in foreign aid, seeking the death penalty in Washington, D.C., and discussing his relationship with Kim Jong Un.
Trump Cancels Foreign Aid Without Approval
President Donald Trump is revoking nearly $5 billion in previously approved foreign aid through a maneuver known as a “pocket rescission.” The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated, “Last night, President Trump CANCELED $4.9 billion in America Last foreign aid using a pocket rescission.“
The action sidesteps the need for congressional approval for funding because it occurs so close to the October 1 fiscal year deadline. A typical rescission request gives Congress a 45-day window to act.
The decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins called it “a clear violation of the law.” Slashed funds include over $3 billion from development assistance and hundreds of millions from peacekeeping and international organizations.
Trump Seeks Death Penalty for Washington D.C.
During a Tuesday Cabinet meeting, Trump announced plans to seek capital punishment for individuals convicted of murder in the capital. “If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, D.C., we’re going to be seeking the death penalty,” he stated.
This reverses long-standing local policy, as the D.C. Council officially rescinded the death penalty in 1981.
The move followed a 1972 Supreme Court ruling that found capital punishment, as applied at the time, violated the Eighth Amendment.
A January executive order signed by Trump is titled “Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety.” It is unclear how the White House will implement the D.C. death penalty effort.
Discussing the Trump Kim Jong Un Relationship
After meeting with South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae Myung, on Monday, Trump spoke about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “I have very good relationships with Kim Jong UN, North Korea,” Trump said.
The president indicated he would meet with the North Korean leader again “someday,” adding, “We got along great.” During his first term, Trump met with Kim Jong Un on three occasions for denuclearization talks.
Other Recent Trump Policy Announcements
The president also weighed in on corporate branding, urging Cracker Barrel to reverse a recent logo change. Trump said the company should “go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll).“
Following customer feedback, Cracker Barrel announced its new logo was “going away.” Trump later posted, “Congratulations ‘Cracker Barrel’ on changing your logo back to what it was. All of your fans very much appreciate it.“
