Divided Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Freeze Nearly $2 Billion in Foreign Aid
In a closely contested 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has denied the Trump administration’s request to maintain a freeze on nearly $2 billion in foreign aid, marking a significant legal setback for the administration.
The court’s majority, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, upheld a lower court’s mandate to release funds allocated for completed work under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department. This decision emphasizes the judiciary’s role in ensuring that executive actions align with legislative appropriations.
Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the dissent, expressed concern over the judiciary’s intervention in executive decisions related to foreign policy and budgetary allocations. He argued that such actions could set a precedent for judicial overreach into areas traditionally managed by the executive branch.
The administration had previously frozen these funds, citing a need to reassess foreign aid expenditures to ensure alignment with national interests. However, this move faced legal challenges from nonprofits and businesses awaiting payment for services rendered, leading to claims of unlawful withholding of congressionally approved funds.
This ruling underscores the ongoing tension between the executive and judicial branches over the control and distribution of federal funds, particularly in the realm of foreign aid. The decision mandates the immediate release of the withheld funds, impacting numerous international programs and contractors.
Source : Swifteradio.com
