A US federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot unilaterally slash billions of dollars of foreign aid appropriated by Congress.
District Judge Amir Ali in Washington stated that the White House cannot withhold about $4 billion in funds approved for foreign assistance through international agencies like USAID.
Ali emphasized that “whatever the reason, Defendants have given no justification to displace the bedrock expectation that Congress’s appropriations must be followed.”
This ruling is part of a series of legal battles centered on the Trump administration’s efforts to wield expansive authority in areas like foreign assistance, which has been met with criticism as potential executive overreach.
The Trump administration had sought to cancel billions of dollars in funding through a mechanism known as pocket rescission, which would allow the funds to go unspent.
However, Ali ruled that the White House must make the funds available before September 30 unless Congress specifically approves the move to rescind the funds.
The government may appeal the ruling, and appeals courts have shot down similar rulings challenging the administration’s authority in recent weeks.
The funding in question was originally designated for the Department of State and USAID, an international assistance agency that has faced significant cuts under the Trump administration.
This decision highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and Congress over foreign aid and the limits of presidential power.
The Trump administration’s attempt to cut $4 billion in US foreign aid has been met with significant legal pushback.
District Judge Amir Ali ruled that the administration cannot unilaterally withhold funds approved by Congress for foreign assistance, emphasizing that “whatever the reason, Defendants have given no justification to displace the bedrock expectation that Congress’s appropriations must be followed.”
The administration used a rare budget tool known as pocket rescission to cancel the foreign aid. This allows the president to propose rescinding funds near the end of the fiscal year, potentially letting them lapse without congressional approval.
However, Judge Ali’s ruling highlights the tension between the executive branch and Congress over foreign aid and the limits of presidential power. Congress argues that the Trump administration’s actions undermine its constitutional spending authority.
The cuts targeted various programs, including $3.2 billion in funding for USAID Development Programs, $393 million from State Department Peacekeeping accounts, and $322 million from the State Department’s Democracy Fund. These cuts could potentially stress UN operations and impact vulnerable populations worldwide.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins and Representative Rosa DeLauro criticized the move, calling it unlawful and a disregard for Congress’s power of the purse.
The Trump administration may appeal the ruling, given that appeals courts have shot down similar rulings challenging the administration’s authority in recent weeks.
The decision has sparked debate over the role of foreign aid in US policy and the potential consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide.