Former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) on Tuesday went after President Donald Trump’s attempt to freeze federal grant funding and offered a warning for the new administration.
“The executive [branch] has very little authority to impound money or even freeze it on a temporary basis,” Dent said. “So, I think that the Trump administration is in trouble.”
The critical comments came Tuesday during Dent’s appearance on CNN amid nationwide confusion over the order, which a federal judge stepped in to temporarily block. The Pennsylvania lawmaker went on to blast Trump’s action during the interview, comparing it to his first administration’s travel ban that threw airports and travelers into a similar chaotic frenzy.
“This action actually reminds me of the travel ban from Trump one, where they issued an executive order, created mayhem at the airports, and it took a while to sort it all out,” Dent said. “I feel like that's what's happening right now, and in fact, there's lawyers in Washington I’m sure are just salivating right now because everybody's calling their lawyers and there are going to be lawsuits flying every which way.”
ALSO READ:Top GOPer's 'most immediate' priority for new committee includes probing a MAGA conspiracy
He said questions like who is exempted from the order – and who isn’t – would likely arise.
“There's a lot of ambiguity here,” Dent added. “We’re not sure how pervasive this pause is, but it's wreaking havoc.”
He concluded by saying that he suspects the judge’s order “may have helped” calm confusion swirling around it, but explained: “Congress's authority here is clear in the Constitution.”
“This is an article one authority,” Denton said. “The president cannot impound funds.”
Watch the clip below or at this link.