Breaking News: Judge Orders Trump Administration to Unblock Billions in Delayed Foreign Aid Within 48 Hours

In a significant ruling, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to release billions of dollars in foreign aid within two days. This decision came after the administration failed to comply with a previous court order aimed at stopping a funding freeze.

The freeze affected crucial foreign assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department. It was linked to an executive order from President Trump that targeted programs he deemed wasteful and not aligned with his foreign policy.

Nonprofits and businesses that rely on federal funds for international work argue that this freeze violates federal law. They claim it has jeopardized life-saving programs and has left them with immense financial burdens. They reported that the funding cutoff has led to layoffs of thousands of workers and could push some organizations to the brink of collapse.

On February 13, U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali ordered the administration to resume funding and pay outstanding debts. However, both USAID staff and affected organizations have yet to see any payments resume since that ruling.

During a recent court session, Judge Ali pressed the government’s lawyer, Indraneel Sur, for clarity on the situation. He asked, “Are you aware of any unfreezing of funds?” Sur’s response was vague, indicating he couldn’t provide an answer.

The lawsuit was initiated by groups like the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the Global Health Council. They represent organizations that depend on U.S. funding for their global health initiatives. They have urged the court to hold the Trump administration in contempt for its noncompliance.

This ruling marks the second instance where a judge found that the Trump administration did not adhere to a court order. Earlier this month, Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island also ruled that the administration failed to fully restore federal grants and loans in the U.S., despite blocking extensive plans for halting government spending.