In a significant legal development, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily paused a lower court’s order requiring the Trump administration to release nearly $1.9 billion in frozen foreign aid payments. Chief Justice John Roberts issued the stay just hours before the midnight deadline set by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, granting the Trump administration more time to address logistical challenges associated with disbursing the funds.
The Trump administration argued that the timeline imposed by Judge Ali was impractical, stating it would take “multiple weeks” to release the funds. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris emphasized that the order disrupted the government’s orderly review process, describing the deadline as “imminent and arbitrary.”
Chief Justice Roberts’ decision grants the administration a temporary victory in its broader effort to overhaul USAID, which has been a central component of President Trump’s agenda to significantly cut federal spending. The administration has announced plans to reduce over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, amounting to approximately $60 billion in global assistance.
The Supreme Court has requested the parties involved to file responses by noon on Friday, as it seeks more information about the case before determining the next steps. This decision leaves USAID contractors and nonprofits who filed the lawsuit in a state of uncertainty, with several plaintiffs and their members potentially forced to cease operations due to the halted funds.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of U.S. foreign aid programs and the administration’s efforts to realign federal spending.
(With inputs from media outlets)
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