President Trump is making headlines again, this time for his apparent plan to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) without Congress’ approval. Legal experts are calling it an unprecedented move that challenges the balance of power between the presidency and Congress.

USAID, an agency that’s been around since 1961, plays a critical role in global aid, providing billions of dollars annually to fight poverty, disease, and disasters while promoting democracy and development. But Trump has claimed he doesn’t need Congress to dismantle it, calling the agency a source of “fraud” and stating, “It’s something that should have been done a long time ago.”

However, experts argue that the president doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally close an agency established by Congress. “The Supreme Court has regularly recognized that it is Congress’ prerogative to create or abolish agencies,” said one legal scholar. “The president cannot do this alone.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday that he’s temporarily overseeing USAID and has initiated a review of its operations. Rubio suggested the agency might be reorganized or even abolished, but only “consistent with applicable law.”

This move is seen as a test of how far Trump can push his agenda without backlash from Congress. “This administration wants to reshape the government bureaucracy,” said another expert. “They’re testing what they can get away with.”

Democrats are already pushing back, calling the plan unlawful and vowing to fight it in court. Senator Chris Murphy described the situation as “a constitutional crisis,” while Representative Gerry Connolly pledged to oppose the shutdown “in every way we can.”

The legal battle ahead could involve groups funded by USAID or employees facing layoffs, but it’s unclear how successful these challenges might be. One thing’s for sure: if Trump succeeds, it could set a precedent for dismantling other federal agencies without congressional approval.

As the debate unfolds, one question remains: will Congress step up to defend its authority, or will Trump’s bold move go unchallenged?