On Wednesday, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily stayed a federal judge’s ruling that demanded the Trump administration release foreign aid money to recipients and contractors. The ruling came as the court considered a formal request by the administration to bar the ruling, giving it time to further examine the issue.
U.S. Judge Amir Ali. District Court for the District of Columbia had imposed a deadline of Wednesday night, demanding the disbursement of funds to various organizations that contract with or receive grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department. Roberts’ administrative stay, however, stalls that deadline, giving the court additional time to consider. Roberts did not provide any explanation for the stay, which only temporarily suspended the deadline.
The dispute arises from lawsuits brought by groups alleging that the Trump administration had illegally halted foreign aid payments. The plaintiffs contend that the administration had not obeyed several court orders to release funds. Despite a February 13 temporary restraining order that directed the government to release payments, the administration has insisted that it cannot meet the deadline imposed.
In its court complaint, the Trump administration stated that it had already made final decisions to end most foreign aid contracts and grants. Over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts have been terminated, along with more than $58 billion in total U.S. assistance globally. These steps are consistent with the administration’s “America First” agenda, with a focus on examining contracts for alignment with its policy priorities, such as suspending diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs.
As part of the administration’s bid to meet Ali’s directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave the go-ahead for accelerated payments for outstanding bills from the plaintiffs. Although a few payments were to be processed on Wednesday, the administration cautioned that complete payments would take a few weeks to process.
The U.S. Justice Department argues that the government is entitled to suspend and review agreements and that the freeze on payments is part of a larger review of aid programs. The legal fight is ongoing as the Supreme Court considers the fate of foreign aid funding under the Trump administration.
