Trump seeks to withhold $800 million in Congress-approved funds

US President Donald Trump sought on Friday to unilaterally withhold more than $800 million in spending on immigration, race and education that Congress has approved. The move was the latest salvo in a fight between the Trump administration and Congress over control of the nation’s spending. “President Trump is committed to utilizing all possible tools to cut wasteful and harmful government spending that does not benefit American citizens,” the White House said in a statement announcing the steps. The statement outlined several programs, including some focused on refugee assistance, racial-minority business development and overseas conservation. The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, but the White House said the programs supported illegal immigration, stoked racial tensions and promoted alarmist approaches to the environment. The White House is deploying a rarely used technique known as a “pocket rescission” that bypasses Congress. Senat