Supreme Court Undermines Trump Administration, Forces Release Of USAID Funds

In a controversial 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to release nearly $2 billion in USAID funding, blocking an effort to halt payments that critics say bankroll leftist organizations. The decision upholds a lower court’s ruling that mandated the payments, despite objections from conservative justices warning of judicial overreach.

Justice Samuel Alito, who authored the dissent, condemned the ruling as a judicial takeover of executive branch authority. He pointed to the fact that a single district court judge—U.S. District Judge Amir Ali—was granted the power to dictate federal spending decisions. “I am stunned,” Alito wrote, calling the ruling an “unfortunate misstep” that undermines the administration’s control over foreign aid.

The Trump administration implemented a freeze on USAID funds as part of a broader effort to reassess how foreign aid dollars are allocated. Officials argued that the funding had been directed toward organizations engaged in political activism rather than legitimate humanitarian work.

Chief Justice John Roberts had temporarily blocked Ali’s ruling last week, providing time for the court to review the case. However, with the Supreme Court now sending the case back to Ali, the lower court judge has full authority to dictate how and when the funds must be distributed.

Joining Alito in dissent, Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh argued that allowing a district judge to determine the White House’s spending obligations threatens executive power.

Ali wasted no time following the ruling, immediately setting a hearing to establish deadlines for compliance.

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