Washington, D.C. – March 6, 2025 – The United States Supreme Court has rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to block the disbursement of nearly $2 billion in foreign aid, upholding a lower court ruling that ordered the government to release the funds.
In a 5-4 decision, the court denied the administration’s emergency request to pause payments while litigation continues. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s liberal justices in the majority, while Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.
Legal Battle Over Foreign Aid
The dispute began on January 20, when President Trump issued an executive order suspending foreign aid payments for 90 days, citing the need to ensure alignment with his administration’s foreign policy objectives. Several aid organizations, including the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and HIAS, challenged the order in court, arguing that the freeze violated federal law and congressional spending authority.
On February 13, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from withholding the funds. Later, on February 25, he ruled that the government must release the money by February 26. The Trump administration sought intervention from the Supreme Court, prompting Chief Justice Roberts to issue a temporary hold on the lower court’s order while the justices reviewed the case.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
In its ruling, the Supreme Court upheld Judge Ali’s decision and instructed him to clarify the government’s obligations to ensure compliance with his order. The ruling affirms that the administration must continue disbursing the funds while the legal battle proceeds.
Justice Alito, writing in dissent, criticized the majority’s decision, arguing that it grants excessive power to a single district court judge and imposes an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers. “I am stunned by this ruling,” Alito wrote, warning that it sets a precedent for lower courts to dictate executive spending decisions.
Implications and Next Steps
The case is set to return to Judge Ali’s court for a hearing on March 6, where aid groups will seek a preliminary injunction to prevent future disruptions to funding. If granted, the Trump administration may appeal the injunction, potentially bringing the matter back before the Supreme Court.
The decision marks a significant legal setback for President Trump, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in checking executive authority over government spending. It also underscores ongoing tensions between the White House and the courts over the limits of presidential power.
