Supreme Court justices ruled against the Trump administration’s request to maintain a freeze on billions in foreign aid. The divided decision, issued Wednesday, denied the administration’s appeal, allowing lower courts to determine the next steps.
The ruling stood at 5-4. Conservative Supreme Court justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. The majority, including Chief Justice John Roberts, Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, upheld the lower court’s stance.
A previous court order required the release of funds last week, prompting the justices to clarify how the government must comply. Alito strongly objected, calling the decision “stunning” and criticizing the judiciary’s role in enforcing government spending.
Supreme Court justices rarely issue immediate financial mandates. Instead, the unsigned ruling empowers lower courts to determine payment obligations. Legal analyst Steve Vladeck noted the decision does not compel the Trump administration to release the funds but enables courts to enforce compliance.
The case reached the justices at an unusual pace. It marks the second dispute concerning Trump’s efforts to consolidate executive power. At stake are billions in foreign aid from the State Department and USAID, which Trump halted in January, seeking budgetary control.
Nonprofit organizations relying on these funds challenged the freeze, arguing it violated Congress’s power over government spending. In legal filings, these groups described the situation as devastating, affecting global health programs that save millions of lives. They argued the funds promote U.S. interests abroad and prevent crises before they reach American shores.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, appointed by former President Joe Biden, had previously ordered a temporary resumption of aid distribution. When the administration allegedly defied the order, Ali mandated full disbursement by midnight Wednesday. The Trump administration sought an emergency Supreme Court intervention, arguing bureaucratic delays.
Chief Justice Roberts temporarily paused the ruling, allowing both sides to present arguments. The Trump administration disclosed plans to terminate over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid agreements, impacting thousands of programs globally.
Democratic lawmakers hailed the ruling, emphasizing that Trump’s authority to freeze funds is not absolute. They urged the administration to comply, ensuring authorized funds reach intended recipients without further delay.