Watchdog Report Says Delaying Ukraine Aid Violated The Law

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) unlawfully withheld $214 million in Ukraine Security Assistance funds in 2019. The funds were central to President Trump's impeachment. The OMB claimed the withholding was to ensure alignment with the president's foreign policy, but the GAO found this justification legally insufficient. The report criticized the administration for not informing Congress about the delay, stating that the executive branch failed to meet the burden of justification. The OMB disagreed with the GAO's findings, asserting its authority to manage funds according to the president's priorities.

What was the primary focus of the GAO's investigation regarding Ukraine Security Assistance funds?

• The legality of withholding funds

• The source of the funds

• The amount of funds allocated

• The timeline of fund distribution

Why did the OMB claim the Ukraine Security Assistance funds were withheld?

• To save money for future use

• To comply with international regulations

• To allocate funds to other projects

• To ensure funds were not spent in a way conflicting with foreign policy

What did the GAO conclude about the OMB's justification for withholding the funds?

• It was legally insufficient

• It was fully justified

• It was partially correct

• It was irrelevant

What criticism did the GAO report make about the Trump administration's handling of the fund delay?

• Lack of transparency in budgeting

• Excessive spending

• Misallocation of funds

• Failure to notify Congress

How did the Trump administration respond to the GAO's report?

• They accepted the findings

• They ignored the report

• They requested a re-evaluation

• They disagreed with the findings