A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate funding for foreign aid contracts while litigation moves forward, marking yet another legal setback for the president’s efforts to overhaul the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order Against Trump’s Executive Action
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that the 90-day pause on foreign aid, ordered by President Trump, was an unlawful and unconstitutional exercise of executive power.
- The ruling blocks the administration from:
- Halting foreign aid contracts and grants that were active as of January 19
- Issuing stop-work orders on existing foreign assistance programs
- Suspending funding through USAID and the State Department without proper authorization
Why Was the Foreign Aid Freeze Challenged?
A coalition of nonprofit organizations, led by the Global Health Council, sued the administration, arguing that the aid freeze created chaos in USAID programs worldwide.
“One cannot overstate the impact of that unlawful course of conduct: on businesses forced to shut down, on starving children going without food, and on populations facing deadly disease,” the nonprofits’ lawyers wrote.
Immediate impacts of Trump’s executive order:
- 230 USAID grants and contracts terminated or placed on hold
- Small businesses shut down due to lost contracts
- Medical supplies and food aid left to expire in ports and warehouses
- Democracy International furloughed 95 U.S. workers and 93% of overseas staff
The judge ruled that nonprofits met the legal burden for emergency relief, making a “strong preliminary showing” that they were likely to suffer irreparable harm.
Trump Administration’s Defense
Eric Hamilton, deputy assistant attorney general, argued that:
- The pause was necessary to ensure foreign aid aligns with Trump’s foreign policy priorities.
- Federal laws allow the president to determine how aid funds are used.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio had issued a waiver for life-saving humanitarian programs.
Judge’s Criticism of Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze
Judge Ali rejected the administration’s argument, stating:
“Defendants have not offered any explanation for why a blanket suspension of all congressionally appropriated foreign aid, which set off a shockwave and upended thousands of agreements, was a rational precursor to reviewing programs.”
Broader Impact on USAID & Federal Employees
The Trump administration’s attempts to shut down USAID missions have led to legal challenges.
- Another federal judge, Carl Nichols (appointed by Trump), blocked efforts to:
- Place 2,000 USAID employees on administrative leave
- Shut down USAID’s Washington, D.C. headquarters
- Expedite evacuations of U.S. personnel from overseas missions
The court ruling deals a significant blow to Trump’s efforts to reshape USAID and freeze foreign aid programs. With legal battles ongoing, the administration must reinstate funding while litigation continues.
