Washington, D.C. – U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on Wednesday issued an administrative stay pausing a federal judge’s order that required the Trump administration to release frozen foreign aid funds to contractors and grant recipients. The order, which had set a Wednesday night deadline, was temporarily blocked without explanation, giving the Supreme Court additional time to consider the administration’s formal request to overturn the ruling.
The dispute stems from lawsuits filed by aid organizations, alleging that the Trump administration illegally froze foreign aid payments in violation of multiple court orders. Despite a temporary restraining order issued on February 13 by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, along with subsequent enforcement measures, the administration has largely maintained the funding freeze.
Trump Administration Moves to Cancel Thousands of Aid Awards
According to the U.S. Justice Department, the administration maintains its right to suspend aid agreements while reviewing their compliance with administration policy. That review, according to a recent court filing, has now concluded, resulting in the cancellation of nearly 5,800 USAID awards, while just over 500 remain in place. The State Department, in a parallel review, has canceled approximately 4,100 awards, keeping about 2,700.
A senior administration official stated that many of the canceled contracts were associated with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives or were deemed wasteful. President Donald Trump, who has taken an aggressive stance against DEI programs, issued an executive order last month directing federal agencies to dismantle such policies.
On Wednesday, the administration announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered the expedited payment of past-due invoices for work completed before January 24, when the freeze began. While some funds would be disbursed immediately, officials cautioned that full payments could take weeks.
Funding Freeze Sparks Humanitarian Crisis
Trump’s 90-day suspension of foreign aid, enacted on his first day in office, has severely disrupted humanitarian operations worldwide. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which administers approximately 60% of U.S. foreign assistance, disbursed $43.79 billion in the 2023 fiscal year, aiding over 130 countries. The funding halt has reportedly jeopardized food and medical aid programs, leaving relief organizations struggling to maintain operations.
In a further blow to USAID, the administration announced Sunday that all but critical staff would be placed on paid administrative leave, resulting in the elimination of 1,600 positions. Employee unions have filed legal challenges, but a federal judge last week allowed the cuts to proceed.
Judge Amir Ali, appointed by former President Joe Biden, had issued his temporary restraining order to prevent irreparable harm to the plaintiffs while their case is under review. The plaintiffs argue that Trump has exceeded his legal authority by effectively dismantling an independent agency and blocking Congress-approved spending.
With aid organizations warning of imminent shutdowns due to lack of funding, legal experts and advocacy groups have condemned the administration’s defiance of court orders.
“The lengths that the government is willing to go to flout a court order, all for the goal of ending life-saving humanitarian assistance, is staggering,” said Allison Zieve, an attorney representing two plaintiffs—the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the Journalism Development Network.
Other plaintiffs in the lawsuits include DAI Global, an international development firm, and HIAS, a refugee assistance organization.
Both Judge Ali and a Rhode Island federal judge overseeing a related federal payment freeze case have strongly criticized the Trump administration for failing to comply with judicial orders. The administration has defended its actions, insisting it is working in good faith to interpret and implement the rulings.
With Chief Justice Roberts’ temporary intervention, the fate of the foreign aid funds—and the global relief efforts they support—now hangs in the balance.
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