How Trump, Musk Cut Government Spending with 1974 Law

By Mark Smith, Host of The Four Boxes Diner, Constitutional Attorney, and Proud American

Click here to see the full video on the Four Boxes Diner

March 09, 2025

Hey folks, Mark Smith here. Today, we’re tackling Trump Musk government spending—how Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE plan to cut insane budgets with the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. With X full of misinformation, I’ll make you the smartest person in the room. Let’s dive in!

Donald Trump and Elon Musk discussing government spending reform

The Spending Mess Trump Faces

First, under Article I of the Constitution, Congress controls the purse—passing budgets the President must execute per Article II. However, lately, Congress has gone wild, approving billions for nonsense like USAID flops and borrowed-money schemes that fuel inflation. Consequently, President Trump has to spend this cash—except he, Musk, and DOGE have uncovered fraud and waste galore. For example, think transgender mice studies and cash to nowhere countries. Naturally, Trump wants to stop it, but can he? That’s where Trump, Musk, and government spending collide.

Why Impoundment Won’t Work

Historically, presidents could “impound” funds—refuse to spend what Congress allocated. But, after Nixon’s Watergate mess, Congress passed the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to curb that. As a result, it says Trump can’t just hold back funds—separation of powers means he must execute Congress’s laws. Moreover, lower courts are jumping in, ordering him to spend. Although it’s a headache, there’s a fix.

Trump, Musk, and Government Spending: The Rescission Solution

Fortunately, here’s the good news: that same 1974 law offers rescission. Specifically, Trump can list every wasteful dollar—line by line, from DOGE’s findings—and send it to Congress, saying, “Cut this junk.” Unlike most bills, rescission needs only a simple majority in the House and Senate—no filibuster nonsense. Therefore, with Republicans holding both chambers (53 Senators, a House majority), Trump’s list could pass fast. In short, no more insane spending, no court battles—just results.

How They’ll Make It Happen

Picture this: Trump, advised by Musk and DOGE, compiles a monster list—every crazy program, every fraud-riddled dollar. Then, he sends it to Congress, and the GOP votes it down. Done. Additionally, I’m hearing from Washington that Musk’s already chatting with Capitol Hill and the White House Counsel about this. While long-term Congress must fix budgets, for now, rescission is Trump and Musk’s secret weapon to gut government spending.

Why You Should Care

This Trump-Musk government spending fight is heating up. Soon, you’ll see it on Fox News (maybe with me!), in papers, or on X. Now, because you know Congress forces spending, but rescission lets Trump push back, you’re ahead of the curve. So, stay sharp, folks—this could reshape our budget and beat the Deep State at its own game.

CHECK OUT MARK SMITH BEING INTERVIEWED ON GUN FREEDOM RADIO