Trump Administration Rejects GAO Findings on EV Funding Hold
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- May 23
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Left-Leaning
Why: The coverage emphasizes legal concerns and critiques of the Trump administration’s actions, reflecting a stance often aligned with left-leaning political perspectives.
GAO: Trump Illegally Withheld $5 Billion in EV Infrastructure Funds
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has determined that the Trump administration violated the Impoundment Control Act by withholding $5 billion in congressionally approved funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The money was part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It was intended to help states build a network of charging stations for electric cars. The funds were supposed to be released to states starting in October 2024, but the administration held them back without following the required legal process.
What the GAO Found
According to the GAO report:
The White House did not notify Congress or attempt to formally rescind the funds, which is required under the Impoundment Control Act.
The administration's actions interrupted state planning for new charging stations.
Withholding the money without congressional approval was ruled a clear violation of the law.
The GAO’s general counsel stated that the executive branch cannot delay or stop funds that have already been approved by Congress unless it follows the proper procedures.
White House Pushes Back
Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget under Trump, rejected the GAO’s conclusion. He said the pause in funding was part of a policy review and labeled the GAO’s finding "non-events with no consequence."
Vought also criticized the GAO’s neutrality, suggesting it has shown political bias in past disputes involving the Trump administration. He defended the delay as fiscally responsible and necessary to review how the infrastructure funds would be used.
Legal and Political Stakes
The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 was designed to limit the power of the executive branch in federal spending after abuses by the Nixon administration. It requires the White House to seek congressional approval to cancel or delay spending.
The GAO’s ruling could:
Strengthen lawsuits or investigations into the Trump administration’s handling of infrastructure funding.
Become a key legal issue in ongoing battles over executive authority.
Add to broader concerns about how the former president might govern if re-elected.
Legal experts note that while the GAO’s opinion is not legally binding, it can heavily influence courts and legislative action.
Political Context
This is not the first time Trump’s use of executive authority over federal funds has come under scrutiny. In 2019, the GAO made a similar ruling over the Trump administration’s delay in delivering military aid to Ukraine, a key issue in his first impeachment.
The current NEVI controversy may serve as a test case for future administrations and courts regarding presidential power over budget implementation. This story continues to evolve as more legal reviews and political responses emerge.
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