Judge Orders Temporary Reversal of Trump Administration’s Freeze on Foreign Aid

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s freeze on U.S. foreign aid. The ruling came late Thursday from U.S. District Court Judge Amir Ali in Washington. The order responds to a lawsuit filed by two health organizations receiving U.S. funding for international programs.

The Trump administration had frozen foreign aid for three weeks. Officials stated that the pause was necessary to review the effectiveness of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs. They argued that some programs could be eliminated based on the review.

However, Judge Ali criticized the administration’s approach. He stated that a “blanket suspension” of all aid programs was unjustified without proper explanation. The judge’s order requires the government to restore funding while the case continues in court.

“The administration has not provided enough reason for stopping every program before reviewing their value,” Judge Ali said in his ruling.

The freeze had sparked concerns from international aid groups. Many organizations rely on USAID funding for health, education, and humanitarian programs worldwide. The pause disrupted critical services, including vaccination campaigns and food distribution in developing countries.

USAID, created in 1961 during President John F. Kennedy’s administration, operates as an independent agency managing U.S. civilian foreign aid. Under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, USAID faces potential restructuring. Rubio mentioned in a letter to lawmakers that the agency might be abolished as part of a reorganization plan.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, the ruling is seen as a temporary win for aid organizations. Programs funded by USAID will continue while the court reviews the administration’s justification for the freeze.

The outcome of this case could impact U.S. foreign aid policy and the future of USAID. For now, essential aid programs can resume, helping vulnerable communities abroad.