The US Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed President Donald Trump's freeze on foreign aid, permitting the administration to withhold billions in funding for global health and development programs, according to a one-paragraph order.
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scotusblog.comThe decision temporarily halted a lower court's mandate to release funds by midnight, leaving aid recipients in limbo as the legal battle over the freeze continues.
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apnews.comThe freeze, initiated in January 2025, has disrupted critical programs, including HIV treatment and malaria prevention efforts in Kenya and Uganda.
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nytimes.comWhile some contracts were reinstated, none came with restored funding, forcing partners to use corporate credit lines to continue operations.
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nytimes.comThe Supreme Court's order sent the question of how much aid to restore back to US District Court Judge Amir H.Ali, who had previously ordered the release of $2 billion in reimbursements for completed work.
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scotusblog.comThe administration's freeze, part of a broader executive order to realign foreign aid with Trump's policies, has faced fierce legal opposition.Nonprofits and aid groups argue the freeze violates federal law and the Constitution, as it halts funding for lifesaving programs.
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apnews.comIn a March 6 hearing, Judge Ali is expected to rule on whether to suspend the freeze, which could lead to another Supreme Court emergency appeal.
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scotusblog.comThe legal fight has highlighted the administration's aggressive approach to foreign aid.Trump's order to freeze funds, known as a "pocket rescission," bypasses Congress by withholding approved appropriations.
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atlantanewsfirst.comCritics, including Democrats on Capitol Hill, argue this undermines congressional authority and risks harming global health initiatives.
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nytimes.comThe administration claims the freeze allows a 90-day review of programs to ensure alignment with US foreign policy, but critics say it has caused irreparable harm to aid recipients.
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apnews.comThe freeze has already disrupted thousands of programs, including those combating Ebola and HIV/AIDS, which are credited with saving millions of lives.
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apnews.comUSAID officials and partner organizations report that nearly 90% of contracts have been terminated, with $60 billion in aid cuts announced.
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apnews.comWhile some limited waivers for life-saving programs have been granted, such as for HIV treatment and malaria prevention, most aid remains frozen.
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kff.orgThe Supreme Court's intervention has further complicated the situation.Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily paused Judge Ali's order to release funds, but the administration's request to lift the freeze was denied, leaving the legal battle unresolved.
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scotusblog.comThe case has drawn comparisons to a 1970s-era legal precedent, with critics accusing the administration of using the courts to circumvent congressional oversight.
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atlantanewsfirst.comAs the dispute unfolds, the impact on global health is stark.Programs that rely on US aid for critical services, such as emergency food assistance and disease prevention, face uncertainty.
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kff.orgThe administration's decision to halt funding has also raised concerns about its effect on US diplomatic relations and global health security.
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kff.orgWith the Supreme Court's ruling, the freeze remains in place, pending further legal developments.
