In a significant legal development, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court’s mandate that required the Trump administration to disburse nearly $2 billion in foreign aid funds. Chief Justice John Roberts issued the stay late Wednesday, just hours before the midnight deadline set by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali. This pause grants the administration additional time to present its case against the immediate release of the funds.
The controversy centers around an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January 2025, titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid.” The order called for a comprehensive 90-day review of all U.S. foreign development assistance programs, effectively freezing disbursements during this period. The administration argues that this pause is necessary to ensure that foreign aid aligns with American interests and values. However, critics contend that the abrupt suspension has jeopardized numerous global health and humanitarian projects.
In response to the executive order, several aid organizations, including the Global Health Council and the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, filed lawsuits alleging that the funding freeze violated existing contracts and endangered critical programs worldwide. Judge Ali sided with the plaintiffs, issuing an order on February 13 that barred the suspension of foreign aid payments. Subsequently, on February 25, he mandated that the administration fulfill outstanding payments by 11:59 p.m. on February 26.
The administration, citing logistical challenges, contended that disbursing such a substantial sum on short notice was unfeasible. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris emphasized that the immediate outlay of nearly $2 billion was impractical and could lead to complications if funds were erroneously distributed. She further argued that the lower court’s order intruded upon the executive branch’s discretion over foreign aid allocations.
Chief Justice Roberts’ intervention provides a temporary reprieve, allowing the Supreme Court to deliberate on the administration’s request for a more extended stay. The plaintiffs have been instructed to submit their responses by noon on Friday, after which the Court will determine its next steps.
This legal battle occurs amidst the Trump administration’s broader initiative to reduce federal spending on foreign aid. Recent actions include terminating over 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) foreign aid contracts, amounting to approximately $60 billion in global assistance. These cuts have led to widespread disruptions in international aid projects, with numerous organizations ceasing operations due to halted funding.
The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision will have profound implications for the future of U.S. foreign aid and the administration’s authority to unilaterally alter funding allocations. As the situation develops, stakeholders worldwide await clarity on the continuity of essential aid programs.
Sources:
- Supreme Court delays deadline for Trump administration to pay $1.9 billion in foreign aid
- Supreme Court pauses order for Trump administration to pay $2 billion in foreign aid funding
- Trump administration announces over 90% cut in USAID foreign aid contracts
- Executive Order 14169: Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid
