Trump defends cash grab for border projects as lawmakers lash out

The Pentagon revealed more than 20 states that will be hit by the diversion of funds.

By CAITLIN OPRYSKO, JACQUELINE FELDSCHER and MARIANNE LEVINE @ Politico.com, Updated 09/04/2019 05:41 PM EDT

President Donald Trump on Wednesday stood by his administration’s efforts to divert billions of dollars from different corners of the federal government for various initiatives along the U.S.-Mexico border, despite a bipartisan outcry from members of Congress.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper informed congressional leaders on Tuesday of the cash grab from more than 100 military projects — such as upgrading military bases both at home and abroad — that will now be used to build a wall along the southern U.S. border. The move prompted an immediate uproar from lawmakers, who cried foul that the president had infringed on Congress’ appropriation authority.

Of the $1.08 billion in cuts coming from military facilities inside 23 U.S. states, 55 percent came from states Hillary Clinton won, versus 45 percent from states won by Trump, according to a POLITICO analysis.

Hardest hit was New York, where $160 million that was expected to go towards updating the engineering center and a parking structure at the U.S. Military Academy is being diverted. New Mexico and Washington State also had big-dollar projects valued at $125 million and $89 million, respectively, halted [....]