Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily halted a court-imposed midnight deadline that would have required the Trump administration to release $2 billion in frozen foreign aid. The emergency appeal, the first of its kind under President Trump's administration, has brought the federal government's restructuring efforts to the nation's highest court.
Roberts' order, known as an 'administrative stay,' allows the Supreme Court time to review written arguments in the case. The case involves billions of dollars in foreign aid frozen by Trump in January to align federal spending with his policy positions.
The Trump administration sought immediate intervention from the Supreme Court just hours before the deadline, arguing that compliance was impossible within the timeframe set by the district court. The administration faces challenges in meeting the court's order to release the frozen funds.
The appeal highlights the administration's efforts to comply with court orders while facing criticism for potential defiance. The groups suing the administration claim that political appointees are obstructing payment authorizations.
The court's decision to pause the deadline raises questions about the appeal's validity, as the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit noted that the enforcement order may not be appealable.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has terminated over 90% of the US Agency for International Development's foreign aid awards, affecting thousands of aid programs worldwide. The significant funding cuts have disrupted the work of nonprofit organizations and contractors.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of the frozen foreign aid remains uncertain, with implications for both government spending and international aid programs.
