A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump had no legal right to freeze foreign aid funds that Congress had already approved. The decision is a major win for aid organizations and a strong reminder that the president cannot bypass Congress when it comes to government spending.
The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali, declared Trump’s decision to block USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) funding unconstitutional. In his ruling, Judge Ali made it clear: “The power of the purse is not the president’s—it belongs to Congress.”
What Led to This Ruling?
Back in 2020, the Trump administration abruptly halted billions of dollars in foreign aid. The move affected USAID programs that provide disaster relief, health care, food security, and economic assistance worldwide. Trump’s team argued that these programs wasted taxpayer money and needed to be reassessed before more funds were released.
However, nonprofits and aid organizations immediately pushed back, saying the freeze put critical projects at risk. With no funding, countless programs shut down, people lost jobs, and vulnerable communities around the world suffered.
It wasn’t just charities that were concerned. Many in Congress—both Republicans and Democrats—saw the move as an overreach of presidential power. The money had already been approved, and Trump’s decision to hold it back without congressional approval raised major legal and constitutional questions.
What the Judge’s Decision Means
This ruling has several key takeaways:
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The President Can’t Withhold Funds at Will – The court made it clear that the executive branch cannot simply ignore Congress when it comes to spending. If lawmakers approve money for a program, the president can’t just block it because he disagrees with how it’s being used.
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Aid Programs Can Get Back on Track – The ruling means that USAID must now release the funds it had withheld. Some aid programs may be able to recover, though others have already been permanently damaged.
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Congress’ Authority Is Reinforced – This case serves as a reminder that the power of the purse rests with Congress, not the White House. Future presidents may now think twice before trying a similar move.
How People Are Reacting
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Trump’s Defenders Say the Move Was Justified – Some supporters of the former president insist that the funding freeze was a necessary step to prevent waste and fraud in USAID programs. “Taxpayer dollars should be spent wisely, and the president had every right to review how they were being used,” said a former Trump administration official.
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Aid Organizations Celebrate the Ruling – For groups that depend on USAID funding, this is a huge relief. “This decision means that life-saving programs can continue without political interference,” said a representative from a global humanitarian organization.
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Legal Experts Call It a Victory for the Constitution – Many constitutional scholars say the ruling reinforces an important legal principle. “This case reaffirms that presidents cannot unilaterally change how Congress decides to spend money,” said one law professor.
What Happens Next?
Now that the judge has ruled, the government is required to release the withheld funds—an estimated 1,200 payments—within four days. While some aid programs may be able to restart, others have suffered too much damage and may never recover.
Beyond this case, the ruling could serve as a precedent for future disputes over presidential authority. If another administration tries to withhold funding that Congress has already approved, this decision could be used to challenge them in court.
Final Thoughts
At its core, this case wasn’t just about foreign aid—it was about the balance of power in the U.S. government. Trump’s attempt to control spending without congressional approval set off a major legal battle, and now, the courts have ruled against him.
The decision sends a clear message: no president, regardless of party, can ignore the Constitution when it comes to government spending. And for the millions of people worldwide who rely on USAID’s programs, this ruling is a sign that help is on the way.
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