President Trump’s memo authorizing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to redirect unspent federal funds is another classic Trump move — legally dubious but politically shrewd.Under the Constitution, only Congress controls the purse strings. .memberful-global-teaser-content p:last-child{ -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, #000 0%, transparent); mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, #000 0%, transparent); } Join now to continue reading.Members get exclusive analysis, bonus features and no advertising. Learn more.If you’re already a member, sign in to your account.