A federal judge has rejected efforts by the Trump administration to continue its suspension of nearly all foreign aid assistance, despite a previous order to resume some contracts. US District Judge Amir Ali issued a new order on Thursday evening, refusing a request by legal challengers to hold the administration in contempt.
The nonprofits involved in the case against the foreign aid freeze had requested a contempt order after the administration cited a provision in Ali's earlier temporary restraining order to justify keeping most of the funding on hold. The initial order allowed the administration to pause funding for agreements that included language permitting the government to suspend payments under certain conditions.
In his recent ruling, Judge Ali stated that the administration could conduct individualized assessments to determine if specific agreements could be paused in accordance with the law and contract terms. However, he emphasized that the exemption was not intended to enable the government to prolong the suspension while reviewing contracts and legal authorities to justify a blanket freeze.
The decision underscores the ongoing legal battle over the administration's handling of foreign aid assistance and the extent of its authority to withhold funding. The judge's ruling provides clarity on the limitations of the administration's actions and the need for proper legal justifications for any future suspensions of foreign aid contracts.
