The Supreme Court of the United States has taken a decisive step regarding the freeze of foreign aid imposed by former President Donald Trump, reinstating a lower court's order that required the rapid release of up to $2 billion owed to contractors for work already completed.
In a four-to-one vote, the justices rejected Trump's request to overturn the lower court's order affecting the funds owed by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. This decision came after various aid groups presented evidence that the administration was not complying with its previous order to lift the freeze on payments.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the elimination of 2,000 jobs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and has placed most of its employees overseas on leave in an attempt to cut costs and dismantle the aid and development agency. This adds to the government's initiative to lay off thousands of USAID employees worldwide, following a court ruling that supported this action.
In this context, the Supreme Court has ordered the reinstatement of the deadline for the payment of owed funds, after the initial deadline had expired. Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined the justices who formed the majority. On the other hand, Alito, representing the dissenting group, expressed his astonishment at this decision.
Humanitarian groups have underscored the urgency of releasing these funds, asserting that the freeze is paralyzing hundreds of projects and putting the lives of people who depend on this assistance at risk. Federal Judge Amir Ali had ordered the administration to pay for the work performed before a specified deadline, receiving resistance from some judges.
In this context, the government has decided to place most of the USAID staff on administrative leave, except for those considered crucial for certain functions, according to official communications directed to employees. This measure is part of a broader plan for staff cuts and cost reductions driven by the Trump administration and its ally Elon Musk.
