Federal Judge orders Trump administration to release billions in U.S. foreign aid
A federal judge has demanded the Trump administration release billions of dollars in U.S. foreign aid within two days, citing non-compliance with a court order to ease a funding freeze. The lawsuit, filed by nonprofit organizations, challenges the cutoff of foreign assistance by the U.S. Agency for International Development and State Department following President Trump’s executive order on Jan. 20. This freeze, criticized for violating federal law, has halted vital life-saving programs abroad, leaving partners owed hundreds of millions and facing financial distress.

U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali’s Feb. 13 order instructed the administration to resume funding, yet no payments have been reported by USAID, businesses, or nonprofits. During the hearing, the government’s lawyer failed to confirm any steps taken to release the frozen funds, prompting frustration from the judge. The case, brought by health organizations like the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the Global Health Council, seeks accountability from the administration for disregarding the court order.

This incident marks the second instance where a judge has found the Trump administration in defiance of court directives. Another federal judge in Rhode Island recently ruled against the administration for not fully unfreezing federal grants and loans, despite a previous court order. These legal challenges underscore the administration’s struggle to adhere to judicial mandates regarding government spending and foreign aid distribution.