Judge Rules Trump Administration Violated Court Order on Foreign Aid Freeze

A federal judge in Washington, DC, ruled yesterday that the Trump administration had not fully complied with a court order pausing its freeze on foreign aid, which began when former US President Donald Trump took office.

US District Court Judge Amir Ali declined to hold the State Department or the Office of Management and Budget in contempt but directed both agencies to “immediately cease” suspending aid payments, according to media reports.

The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by two nonprofits—the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the Journalism Development Network—challenging the aid suspension through USAID and the State Department. The administration had argued that it had complied with Ali’s previous injunction, which temporarily reinstated funding. However, Ali found that the administration had continued to withhold funds while reviewing agreements, a move specifically prohibited by the temporary restraining order.

While Ali noted that “contempt is not warranted” due to the administration’s acknowledgment of the need to comply, the nonprofits highlighted a status report showing no resumption of funding or aid activities despite the court’s directive.

The lawsuit stems from Trump’s executive order issued on January 20, which halted foreign aid as part of a cost-cutting initiative led by the Department of Health and Human Services. Critics, including international aid groups and the United Nations, have warned that the suspension has harmed millions worldwide, particularly women and children. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio later issued waivers for life-saving humanitarian programs, many aid recipients reported that funding had not resumed.

The nonprofits argue that the administration’s actions violate the law and undermine global health and security. Proponents of foreign aid stress its benefits, including supporting US farmers whose surplus crops are distributed globally, fostering goodwill for the US, and reducing illegal immigration by improving living conditions in developing countries. Additionally, they emphasize that combating diseases abroad helps protect public health in the United States, as diseases do not respect borders.