(ProsperNews.net) – In a significant judicial order, a U.S. District Court has mandated the Trump administration to swiftly release $2 billion in foreign aid payments.
At a Glance
- Federal judge orders expedited payment of $2 billion in foreign aid by the Trump administration.
- The Supreme Court rejected the administration’s attempt to maintain a funding freeze.
- Contractors claim unpaid debts affect projects across several countries.
- The administration cites reduced staffing as a cause of delays in payments.
The Court’s Decision
U.S. District Court Judge Amir Ali has ordered the Trump administration to expedite payments on nearly $2 billion owed to USAID and State Department partners, setting a deadline for Monday. The Supreme Court had previously nullified the administration’s attempt to maintain a funding freeze. Judge Ali rejected the Justice Department’s pleas for a delay, emphasizing that appropriations are not optional.
The payment freeze originated from an executive order by President Trump on January 20, which replaced a blanket freeze with individualized determinations. This led to the cancellation of thousands of contracts and grants, causing significant disruptions for nonprofits and businesses.
US judge orders Trump admin to pay portion of $2B in foreign aid by Monday https://t.co/xDklHXOgkz
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 7, 2025
Legal and Financial Implications
Plaintiffs such as the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and Global Health Council argue for back payment and reversal of contract terminations. The administration contends it resumed USAID payments but is facing delays due to staffing issues. Judge Ali suggested recalling idled workers to meet the payment deadline. The Supreme Court’s decision supports a federal judge’s authority to order these payments.
“It would be an “earth-shaking, country-shaking proposition to say that appropriations are optional,” – U.S. District Judge Amir Ali.
The lawsuit filed by nonprofits and businesses cites unpaid debts under the Administrative Procedure Act, with claims that urgent payments are essential to prevent layoffs and ensure safety abroad. Contractors assert the government left them unpaid, which has critical implications for global projects in Ukraine, Nigeria, Vietnam, and other nations.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday delivered an early victory to President Trump's opponents, ruling that a federal judge can order the administration to pay nearly $2 billion in foreign assistance money the White House had put on hold. https://t.co/Kr8Ei16iea
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 5, 2025
Administration’s Challenges and Compliance
The administration has faced difficulties due to forced leaves and firings, impacting the repayment process. Despite resuming USAID payments, the administration missed a previous deadline set by the lower court. The original January deadline was surpassed, raising questions about the legality of terminating projects with congressionally allocated funds.
“unchecked power to compel the government to pay out … 2 billion taxpayer dollars.” – Justice Samuel Alito.
The Supreme Court argued that the administration should clarify obligations and the feasibility of deadlines. Chief Justice John Roberts issued an administrative stay, yet the court sided with the lower court’s ruling to unfreeze payments halted by Trump’s executive order.
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