Constitutional Conflict Surrounds Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze

Plus, How Americans’ Views on Immigration Have Evolved and a Key Shakeup in the 2026 Senate Race

Welcome to the latest edition of From the Politics Desk, your go-to evening newsletter bringing you the NBC News Politics team’s top reporting and insights from Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill, and the campaign trail.

Today, President Donald Trump’s unexpected move to halt federal aid spending has ignited a constitutional showdown that may reach the Supreme Court. Lawrence Hurley explores how this action could lead to significant legal battles. Meanwhile, Steve Kornacki examines the shifting public opinion on immigration, showing how Americans' views have tilted to the right since Trump’s first term. Bridget Bowman breaks down a pivotal early development in the 2026 Senate race.

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Trump’s Effort to Block Federal Funding Sparks Legal Battle

By Lawrence Hurley

President Trump’s attempt to freeze federal funding has sparked a contentious legal battle centered on the constitutional principle that Congress controls government spending. This move mirrors past controversial executive actions by the president, such as the early executive order on birthright citizenship, which also faced legal challenges.

Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo Monday evening, halting funding for federal aid programs while evaluating their alignment with the president’s agenda, despite these funds being previously approved by Congress. This action has drawn immediate lawsuits from nonprofit groups, leading to a temporary halt on the policy by a federal judge.

The Constitution grants Congress the authority over taxation and spending, known as the “power of the purse,” a principle at the heart of the separation of powers debate. Legal experts believe the Trump administration is pushing this issue toward the Supreme Court in hopes of securing a favorable ruling.

Read more from Lawrence →

Chaos Ensues as Funding Freeze Triggers Confusion Across Government

Trump’s freeze on federal funding has created widespread confusion across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and state programs that depend on this aid. Federal programs such as school meal initiatives, international aid, and veterans’ reintegration programs could be impacted, though the specifics of the freeze remain unclear.

A senior administration official clarified that essential services such as Medicaid, food assistance, and rental aid are excluded from the freeze and would continue unaffected.

Shifting Public Opinion on Immigration Since Trump’s First Term

By Steve Kornacki

As Donald Trump re-enters the political scene, his hardline stance on immigration finds a more favorable backdrop than during his first term. Public opinion has shifted significantly to the right, with an increasing number of Americans supporting stricter immigration policies and deportation measures.

According to recent Gallup data, the share of Americans advocating for reduced immigration levels has nearly doubled since Trump’s first term. As of last summer, 55% of Americans favored curbing immigration—its highest point in 24 years.

Additionally, support for deporting immigrants, even those without criminal records, has grown, marking a 20-point shift since 2019. Public backing for a more extensive border wall has also gained majority support.

Key Senate Race Shakes Up Following Peters’ Exit

By Bridget Bowman

Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ decision not to seek re-election in 2026 has created a high-stakes, open-seat race that will play a crucial role in determining Senate control. Michigan was already a top GOP target in the upcoming elections, and now, with no incumbent running, the race is expected to be fiercely contested.

This retirement places additional pressure on Democrats, who need to win Michigan to flip the Senate, making this race one of the most closely watched. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is among the potential candidates for the Democratic nomination.