"Can the President decide to cut funding to the various branches of the executive, such as the Department of Education, without Congressional approval?"
"No, the President cannot unilaterally cut funding to executive branch departments like the Department of Education without Congressional approval. Congress holds the constitutional power of the purse, which means it is responsible for appropriating funds to federal agencies through legislation.
While the President can propose budget cuts in the annual budget request to Congress, those proposals are subject to Congressional review and approval. The President does have some discretion over how certain funds are spent, but reallocating or cutting funding in a way not authorized by Congress would generally require legislative action.
So, while the President can influence funding through proposals and administrative decisions, ultimate authority over federal funding rests with Congress. This system ensures a balance of power between the legislative and executive branches."