Trump loses latest round to let billions in foreign aid expire

Trump loses latest round to let billions in foreign aid expire

In a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, a federal judge has blocked the administration from cutting billions of dollars in foreign aid that Congress authorized earlier this year. The ruling, handed down by US District Judge Amir Ali, prevents the administration from unilaterally halting the funds, which are set to expire at the end of September.

The judge's decision comes amidst ongoing litigation over the administration's authority to delay or block spending approved by Congress. The funds in question, totaling approximately $4 billion, were earmarked for various humanitarian projects, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and democracy promotion efforts overseas [3].

The Trump administration has sought to employ a tactic known as a "pocket rescission" to bypass congressional approval. This maneuver involves invoking a law that allows the president to pause spending for 45 days, effectively causing the funds to expire. However, Judge Ali ruled that the administration must comply with appropriations laws unless Congress changes them [3].

The ruling has significant implications for foreign aid allocations and sets a precedent for how federal agencies must adhere to congressional spending directives. The White House has indicated that it plans to appeal the decision, with spokesperson Anna Kelly stating that the administration believes it has the executive authority to ensure that all foreign aid is accountable to taxpayers and aligns with the administration's priorities [3].

The latest move by the Trump administration to cut foreign aid is part of a broader effort to reduce spending on humanitarian projects and international organizations. The administration has previously obtained congressional approval to cancel $9 billion in foreign aid and public media funding. However, the latest attempt to cut $5 billion in foreign aid, which was also approved by Congress, has faced legal challenges [2].

The impact of these cuts has been felt sharply across the globe, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Aid organizations have warned of the devastating consequences of these funding withdrawals, including a potential surge in HIV/AIDS deaths and the inability of some countries to provide essential aid to their populations [2].

The legal battle over foreign aid funding is likely to continue, with both sides seeking to establish their interpretations of the law. The outcome of these legal challenges could have significant implications for the future of foreign aid policy in the United States.

References:
[1] https://www.khq.com/national/judge-blocks-trump-administration-from-cutting-foreign-aid-funds/article_76604bca-cd75-413d-a486-b272e70bc003.html
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/29/trump-seeks-to-cut-5bn-in-congressionally-approved-foreign-aid
[3] https://www.newarab.com/news/us-judge-blocks-trump-cutting-billions-foreign-aid?amp=1